The 127th Edward Alleyn Club Dinner

On Friday 22 November, the Alleyn’s alumni community gathered for the 127th Edward Alleyn Club (EAC) Annual Dinner in one of London’s most iconic venues —BAFTA. The event brought together alumni spanning seven decades, from the Class of 1952 to the Class of 2024, in a celebration of connection and shared values.

We were especially delighted to see the fantastic turnout, both from alumni travelling from afar, and from the Class of 1984, who came to support outgoing EAC President Reno Antoniades (Tulley’s 1984). Reno, whose remarkable career includes being Executive Producer of the multi-award-winning film The Zone of Interest, hosted the dinner in BAFTA’s stunning Ray Dolby Room.

The night was filled with inspiring speeches. Reno reflected on his time as President, expressing gratitude and pride in the alumni community and espousing the importance of humility. He then introduced guest speaker Andrew Eaton, one of the UK’s leading film and TV producers who has worked on Netflix’s The Crown amongst many other titles.

Andrew’s witty speech took guests on a journey through his career and his breakthrough into the film and TV industry – his love of which began at a young age sneaking into the cinema in Derry with his brother. He talked about the adventures his career has taken him on, including working in 27 different countries, to the less notable lifetime ban from Manchester Airport, to an interesting incident in Iran on which Reno advised! Andrew spoke passionately about perseverance and also about friendship, values that resonate with the Alleyn’s spirit.

Head Jane Lunnon added to the evening with an update on the School’s achievements, highlighting the growing impact of the bursary programme, which now supports 117 pupils—the highest in the School’s history—and the expansion of partnership initiatives. She thanked alumni for their generosity, mentorship, and continued connection, emphasising how they inspire the next generation of Alleyn’s alumni.

The current School Captain, Esmé (Spurgeon’s 2025), delivered a speech that struck a chord with everyone. She spoke of the shared legacy between students and alumni:

“We are linked to you not just by the classrooms we’ve sat in or the streets of Dulwich we’ve walked, but by the values we hold. You, as alumni, embody the ideals we aspire to, showing us what’s possible when those values guide us.”

Esmé shared updates on the vibrant school life at Alleyn’s today, from the thriving Drama and Sports programmes to the fiercely competitive House spirit. She closed with a message of pride and optimism:

“The future of Alleyn’s is bright, thanks to the enduring connection between our alumni community and us, through our shared values.”

The evening was also a moment to give back. Guests donated generously to the Alleyn Benevolent Fund (ABF), raising more than £2,000 to support Upper School bursaries and co-curricular opportunities for students in need.

As the night drew to a close, Reno handed over the Presidency to the incoming EAC President, Aisha Bywaters (Brown’s 2002). A BAFTA Breakthrough winner and acclaimed Casting Director, Aisha has earned two BAFTAs for her work on We Are Lady Parts and Three Little Birds. Accepting the President’s medal, Aisha reflected on her time at Alleyn’s and the transformative impact of being on an assisted place:

“It’s an honour to become President. I wouldn’t be here without the opportunities Alleyn’s gave me. I hope over the coming year I get to know you and we have some fun!”

The evening was a celebration of shared history, inspiring achievements, and a powerful sense of community that continues to thrive. Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and made this event truly special.

Photos from the 127th EAC Dinner are available below and on our Alumni Flickr page.

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