Kimbolton School’s Shadow Syndicate (Le Syndicat des Ombres) rose to an impressive challenge this Halloween, creating and performing Le Horla—Guy de Maupassant’s chilling tale of a man tormented by unseen forces, all in a single day. Gathering at 10.00am, the group, with guidance from visiting producer Phill Dalziel and French teacher Nicole Hassall, worked intensively to devise and script their performance, ready for the stage by 5.00pm.

Performed entirely in French, this eerie story tested the pupils’ linguistic and dramatic talents, with Lower Sixth pupil Haydn L. adding to the atmosphere with an original piano and cello arrangement that captured the tale’s suspense perfectly. The Halloween timing, the hard work of the cast, and the haunting storyline made for a memorable theatrical experience.

Bravo to all involved for their dedication, creativity, and teamwork in bringing this ambitious project to life!