Performing arts centre opened by former pupils famed for contributions to screen, stage and music industries

Former St Andrew’s pupils, actress and writer, Emily Bevan, and songwriter, vocalist, producer and publisher, James ‘Yami’ Bell returned to their old school last week to open the new performing arts centre.

Emily Bevan and James 'Yami' Bell

Marking a pivotal moment in St Andrew’s 90th year, Bevan and Bell shared how St Andrew’s had helped foster a passion for the performing arts and go on to shape their impressive careers.

St Andrew's pupils wowed the audience with a spectacular performance of piano recitals, choir songs, big band, a scene from Oliver! and high energy dance routines, causing everyone to whoop and clap in time to the beats.

The new space involved converting a 1980s school sports hall, and installing specialist theatre equipment and state-of-the-art retractable seating for 200.  It will greatly enhance the already-impressive school campus and provide increased opportunities for pupils in the creative arts, alongside hosting community engagement events. 

Bevan, an accomplished actress and writer, attended St Andrew’s between 1993 and 1995, and was then awarded a Drama Scholarship to Queen Anne’s, Caversham. She went on to study English Literature at Newcastle University, and an MA in Classical Acting at the Central School of Speech and Drama. Much of her formative life was spent living at Shiplake College, where her father was Head Master for 16 years.

Bevan has built an impressive career in theatre, film and television including BAFTA winning 'In The Flesh’, ‘Doc Martin’, ‘Grantchester’, ‘Midsomer Murders’, ‘The Thick of It’, ‘St Trinians’, ‘Breathe’, ‘Temple’, and ‘Domina’. She is also an accomplished author, having published 'The Diary of Losing Dad' in 2022, reflecting on her personal experiences. Currently writing her first screen play, Bevan can be seen in the ‘The Full Monty’ on Disney Plus, ‘The Marlow Murder Club’ on PBS Masterpiece, and ‘Funny Woman Series 2’ on Sky.

Enjoy watching Emily's showreel here.

Bell, who has made a significant contribution to the music industry as a songwriter, vocalist, producer and publisher, attended St Andrew's from 2000 to 2006, where he was Head Chorister. He then went on to Marlborough college where he was Head of Choir, and studied German at Cardiff University before being signed by BMG – a Berlin-based music company.

Bell is probably best known for co-writing and singing on Tiësto’s track, “The Business”, which earnt him a GRAMMY, Billboard and BRIT Award nomination, scoop up a BMI Award, and reach number four in the UK singles chart. Other successes have included collaborations with Brian Eno, YungBlud, Ava Max, James Arthur, Polo G, KSI, Tom Grennan, RAYE, Cat Burns, BoyWithUke.

You can enjoy watching Jamie's showreel here.

Head Master, Ed Graham said:

“We are honoured to have Old St Andrew’s pupils, Emily Bevan and Jamie Bell, officially open our new performing arts centre today and look forward to the next decade of show-stopping performances and events.

An enormous thank you must also go to our current and former families who have generously donated towards this exciting and inspiring project.”