Gareth’s successes in drama began early, during his school days. He attended The King’s School, Canterbury from 1958 to 1963, and the School Magazines (The Cantuarian, which can be accessed here) make a number of references to his achievements.

Thanks are due to Peter Henderson, Archivist at The King’s School, Canterbury for invaluable information regarding Gareth’s time there.

All images on this page are courtesy of Linda Thomas. The scrapbook from which this section has drawn material was created by Annie Novac, to whom the creator of this website is deeply grateful.

At school, Gareth appeared in at least two House plays: I Killed the Count (1960), a review of which can be found in The Cantuarian here (p.127); and The Devil’s Disciple (1962) for which a copy of the programme exists:

Also in 1962, Gareth participated in the presentation of some readings from Shakespeare, a review of which can be found here (p.264).

His Headmaster’s report (Peter Newell; dated August 1963) mentions Gareth’s “considerable charm, energy, initiative, and dramatic ability”.

The highlight of Gareth’s performances during his school days was undoubtedly his Henry IV, in Shakespeare’s Henry IV part 2 which was presented as part of King’s Week in July 1963.

Gareth (then aged 18) in costume as Henry IV:

Some stills from the play:

Gareth’s own copy of the programme:

And some reviews, in The Cantuarian here, pp.386-7, and in the Press (sources not known):