The Shadow of Eros

Everyone knows the statue few know the story

Last week Aldenham School hosted a showcase performance by a troupe of professional actors of a new musical that celebrates the life of Sir Alfred Gilbert, the sculptor of the Eros statue in Piccadilly Circus and a student at Aldenham School in 1865 to 1872.

The writers of The Shadow of Eros secured funding from Arts Council England to put on the show and they plan to take it into full production.

Gilbert paid a high price for his genius and the story follows him from fame and fortune into exile and despair and finally into glorious redemption.  It’s a tale of pride and fall spanning decades, nations, royalty, and war.

Along with Gilbert himself the characters in the show include Angelo Colarossi, the model for Eros, Joseph Boehm, Gilbert’s mentor and champion, Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria and Joseph’s lover.  Gilbert’s childhood sweetheart, and first wife Alice is featured as are other friends and acquaintances Oscar Wilde, George V, Queen Victoria’s son and Eliza MacLoghlin, an eccentric society lady and client of Gilbert’s.

The President of the Old Aldenhamian Society, James James-Crook, several Old Aldenhamians, current students and staff and Head of Foundation elect, Mrs Alex Hems watched the show and enjoyed meeting the cast and production team afterwards to hear more about plans for taking the show to the West End.

The Shadow of Eros website provides recordings of some of the songs and further details.

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