HRH Princess Alexandra visits Central

On Wednesday 13 November, 2013 Central was visited by its Royal Patron, HRH Princess Alexandra. The visit marked the Princess’s first visit to the school since the opening of the refurbished Embassy Theatre in 2003, and Her Royal Highness was also in attendance at Central’s centenary celebrations at The Old Vic Theatre in 2006.

During her recent visit, the Princess toured the Embassy Extension and West Block buildings, where she met with staff and students on a variety of courses, including BA (Hons) Theatre Practice and BA (Hons) Acting and observed a number of activities in the workshops and studio spaces.

The visit also coincided with an Honorary Fellowship Ceremony in the Embassy Theatre for Claire Bloom CBE and Julian Rudd, Founder and Director of Remarkable Productions.  Ms Bloom was presented for Fellowship by Central’s Head of Acting, Geoffrey Colman, and Mr Rudd was presented by Jessica Bowles, Principal Lecturer and Course Leader of the MA Creative Producing course.  The Princess personally awarded the Fellowships, before unveiling a stone plaque to commemorate the occasion.

The ceremony marked a particularly regal week for Ms Bloom, who had only two days prior received her CBE in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace during which her fellow Central alumnus, Tony Robinson received a knighthood.

The day also marked a formal celebration of Central’s receipt of Royal Title one year ago.