Alumna Spotlight: Matilda Broadbridge

RHSB Alumna Matilda Broadbridge (class of 2022) is already set on an exciting career pathway in acting, having gained a place at London’s prestigious drama school Mountview. She is currently appearing as Pippa Middleton on Netflix’s The Crown.

Matilda was accepted into the National Youth Theatre in 2021, and was also highly engaged in Bath’s drama scene, as a member of the Theatre Royal Theatre School from Year 8, and winning Bath Young Actor of the Year Award twice. In School her first main role was Miss Hannigan in Annie.

Matilda auditioned for the role of The Crown’s Pippa Middleton in Nov 2022 and recorded it in January 2023 – “This was an amazing experience where I learnt so much about the industry, as well as working in such a supportive environment and making fabulous friends. It gave me such a privileged insight into how a major production is made, and all of the people involved in the team; I appreciate how lucky I am to have been a small part of such a notable and well-regarded production.”

What aspects of Royal High School Bath did you enjoy and find most rewarding?

I really enjoyed English, Drama, PE and Classics lessons. They were subjects I looked forward to and wanted to learn more about (and still do!). I made friends for life at Royal High too, and can see us carrying our friendships forward well into our futures. The most rewarding aspects of RHSB, I believe, were the opportunities to explore a real range of experiences, clubs, activities and find my ‘best fit’; these were sadly curtailed over the course of the pandemic but gave me a solid foundation to build my future choices on.

What did you aspire to while at school?

I have always wanted to follow a somewhat non-traditional route, and did not have clear direction of what career I wanted, per se, apart from wanting to act. The seeds for this were sown when I was about 13 and from then on, I aspired to be an actress.

It was Jo Bailey, who was teaching me at the time, who filled me with a sense of what I could potentially accomplish and made it seem possible. She saw something that I was unable to see in myself at the time and gave me the confidence and support to develop my skills in, and love of, performance.

How did RHSB empower you for your future?

Being at RHSB taught me a great deal, especially away from the classroom. I believe I have been empowered - notably in 6th form - to embrace my own route through learning and find solutions when answers didn’t come easily. Alongside this, being able to grow into the adult I was (and am) becoming, and being recognised for this. Here I would like to recognise the skills, support, time and guidance that Mr Benedict, Mrs Cunningham and Mrs Newman gave me as I navigated my future choices and managed the inevitable setbacks that applying to Drama School brings. I feel empowered to make mistakes, to learn and grow from them and to find my ‘place’ as a learner and as myself

How did your experience of studying drama at RHSB inspire you to go to drama school/to become a professional actor?

The staff at RHSB allow you to develop your own voice, style and appreciation of Drama. The syllabus is expertly taught, and there’s a myriad of opportunities away from the classroom to hone your skills. Having the backing and brief of your teachers is invaluable, as well as having staff who will give honest and thorough feedback to you. Being accepted into Drama school is a tough journey and you have to have a very thick skin to manage not being successful in applications and auditions. Mrs Vincent-Norgate in particular was an absolute star in this regard. She has a unique way of giving guidance and feedback whilst encouraging you to never give up.

What has been your proudest moment?

At school, I think it would be being recognised for my commitment to Drama at my final prize giving, being awarded The Helen Rollanson Award. It was a long journey from Y7-Y13 with many challenges, as well as celebrations, and this recognition reinforced how success, both in and out of the classroom, is valued and recognised. Personally, it was just the other day when I was walking through London back to my halls of residence; a year ago this was just a dream.

What would you say to your 11-year-old self?

Stay true to yourself, your hopes and dreams - you have an amazing future ahead of you.

What are your hopes for the future?

Happiness, health, and opportunities to continue doing what I love to do.