Talented Year 11 treble singer, Tom Deazley travelled to Switzerland in September, for his role as ‘Miles’ in Benjamin Britten’s much-admired opera, The Turn of The Screw, at the historic Opernhaus Zürich.

Often described as one of the most popular twentieth-century operas because of its captivating mix of haunting music and dramatic plot, The Turn of The Screw is scored for a small chamber orchestra and a cast of six. Set in the mid nineteenth century at the stately manor, Bly House, a young governess is hired to care for two children (Miles and Flora) by their uncle and guardian. The seemingly cold and disinterested uncle has three unusual conditions for the young governess: never to write to him about the children, never to inquire about the history of Bly House, and never to abandon the children. Thus, a supernatural tale of mystery and intrigue ensues.

Tom spent five weeks in rehearsals, followed by three weeks of shows. The performances were often sold out as theatre-goers and opera enthusiasts flocked to the Swiss theatre to see Britten’s highly acclaimed opera. Completely undaunted by the huge audiences, Tom mentioned that the Opernhaus can seat up to one thousand people at any given time. Of the experience he said ‘it was great and [he] was glad to have had this opportunity’.

Away from the College for almost two months, Tom explained how he had to complete three hours of school work a day, making sure he kept up to date with his studies! However, when he was not in rehearsals or performing, Tom (along with the other junior cast members and a chaperone) found time to do some sightseeing and even squeeze in a couple of league matches at FC Zurich.

Tom (who is studying GCSE Music) hopes to pursue a career as an opera singer and if his performances to date are anything to go by, we are sure that Tom has a glittering future ahead of him.