LAMDA celebrates graduating class of 2024 at Lyric Theatre
On Sunday 13 October, LAMDA celebrated the achievements of more than 150 graduates during its graduation ceremony held at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre.
The event marked the culmination of an inspiring journey for students across eight diverse courses, and was a day of reflection, celebration and anticipation for their exciting futures in the performing arts.
The ceremony, attended by graduates, families, friends and LAMDA staff, began with welcoming remarks from Stephen Court, Head of Marketing. Dr. Nicholas Holden, Head of Academic Affairs and Research, then took the stage as Master of Ceremonies, guiding the audience through the ceremony’s formal proceedings.
In his address, LAMDA Principal and CEO Professor Mark O'Thomas offered heartfelt congratulations to the graduates, commending their hard work and perseverance throughout their training. A highlight of the ceremony came when acclaimed alumnus Brian Cox CBE delivered an inspiring speech, reflecting on the transformative power of LAMDA's training and its lasting impact on his own career.
Alex Farrell, a graduating student from the BA (Hons) Professional Acting programme and Student Trustee, brought energy and emotion to the event with a rousing speech that both entertained and resonated deeply. The ceremony also featured an encouraging address from The Rt Hon Shaun Woodward, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, who praised the graduates for their dedication and commitment to their craft.
The presentation of degrees and awards was overseen by Rob Young, Head of Technical Training, and Dr. Philippa Strandberg-Long, Director of Actor Training and Drama School. One of the most anticipated moments was the presentation of the inaugural Rory Kinnear Award, a new accolade recognising outstanding contribution and community spirit during a student's time at LAMDA.
This year's recipient, BA (Hons) Professional Acting graduate Crystal Marshall, was celebrated for her dedication and positive influence within the LAMDA community.
The ceremony also saw the awarding of two honorary degrees. Brian Cox presented the Master of Dramatic Art degree to celebrated director Rebecca Frecknall, acknowledging her innovative and influential work in theatre. Benedict Cumberbatch CBE, President of LAMDA, awarded the same degree to actor Chiwetel Ejiofor CBE, celebrating his remarkable career on both stage and screen.
Both Rebecca and Chiwetel gave moving speeches, reinforcing LAMDA's ethos of collaboration and the lasting importance of the school’s unique training in shaping individuals both as artists and as people.
The celebrations were further enriched by musical performances from the graduating class, with renditions of “Move On” from Sunday in the Park with George and “Song of Purple Summer” from Spring Awakening. Their performances were a testament to the creative energy and passion that defines the LAMDA community.
As our graduates prepare for the next stage of their professional journeys, the graduation ceremony underscored the values instilled during their time with us. LAMDA’s commitment to fostering both artistic excellence and personal growth means that these graduates are not only prepared for the stage but for life beyond it, carrying with them a dedication to collaboration, integrity and being their best selves.
Photography by Zoë Birkbeck
