We are delighted to report that former student Aamira Challenger, Class of 2010, has been recently stealing the show, playing the role of Jane Bennet in a six-month tour of Pride and Prejudice. 

The production, directed by Lotte Wakeham, is a co-production between Bolton Octagon, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Theatre by the Lake and Hull Truck, and has showcased in theatres across the North of England. 

As Aamira comments, 'Being the UK premier of Kate Hamil's adaptation, it's a sharp, boisterous, rom-com, and I highly recommend students reading some Austen if they haven't already - she's witty, irreverent, deliciously wry'.

This adaptation has received glowing reviews, with local news outlet 'Hull Is This' describing the play as a 'delight from start to finish'. This is particularly fitting given that 2025 is the 250th birthday of Jane Austen, the show more than paying tribute to the famous wit and irreverence that so characterised the works of such a renowned novelist.

Reflecting on her time at Latymer, Aamira notes that she faced a conundrum between committing to either maths or the arts. Eventually, she chose to do Drama at A Level with both current and former heads of drama, Ms Hammer and Mr Vause. "Though I took part in some school productions, my particular highlight was the A Level version of On the Piste by John Godber in which I played Bev. It's rather fitting that this Pride & Prejudice tour has brought me to Hull Truck Theatre, a venue and city that is particularly close to Godber!" explained Aamira.

After leaving Latymer, Aamira went on to study at the University of Manchester, reading History, before moving stateside to New York to successfully train as an actor. Now based in London, her work takes her to all corners of both the UK and the world. 

A key learning that Aamira takes from her path to becoming a professional actor is that it is not always linear; every experience and venture informs your work so it's important to know that there is no rush, something that can be applicable now to all Latymer students in all walks of life. 

We would like to congratulate Aamira on such a notable role and successful tour and wish her all the best in her future endeavours! 

Aamira's professional acting Instagram account can be found at @itsAChallenger

Both production pictures are by Pamela Reith.