When did you attend Francis Holland School and what initially brought you to the school?

I started at Francis Holland in Year 1 with Mrs Cleveland, 33 years ago. It was in Mrs. Cleveland’s class where I would do my first audition, although I had no idea that was what I was doing! One afternoon Mrs. Bown came in looking for talent for the christmas concert, we had to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star… the rest is history! 

What’s your fondest memory from your school days and why does it stand out to you?

I enjoyed performing at Mrs.Bown’s coffee mornings, in the carol concerts and class assemblies. I was also a winner of the Fanny Davies award and got to go to the upper school assembly to receive it, that was a very happy moment! 

I was very lucky to have had teachers like Mrs. Bown who identified my passion for performing at an early age and nurtured the talent within me. 

It was from these early experiences at FHS I knew I was called to be on stage. That was the route I followed after leaving school. I studied theatre at University in the US and went on to get a Masters in Musical Theatre from The Guildford School of Acting. 

After graduating from Drama School I was lucky enough to audition for lots of different productions and finally achieved my dream of entertaining in the West End in the original company of Disney’s Aladdin. 

Over the course of my career I have performed in some incredible shows including White Christmas, Cats, Crazy For You and I’m currently playing in the original company of The Devil Wears Prada now playing at The Dominion Theatre. I’m very fortunate to have found success in theatre, but it all began with a dream, one that was seen and encouraged at FHS.

I have learned so much from my teachers over the years and now give back to young aspiring performers through my own private coaching.

So, if you are someone who has an interest in performing and would like guidance and advice please feel free to reach out to me on Instagram @kayleighthadani. I specialise in preparing students for Drama School applications and auditions and would love to help you on your journey however I can!

What advice would you give to current students about making the most of their time here?

They say find something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life! But whatever you do will require; patience, commitment, confidence and finesse. These are skills you will learn at FHS. Merit and deportment, politeness and punctuality are all things I’ve taken with me and still use today, that were first taught to me at FHS. 

What one piece of advice would you give to other FHS alumni/current pupils?

Have fun learning and developing your passions at school. Be open and curious to learn as much as you can from your teachers. Make lovely friends and stay in touch over the years, networking starts early!!

If you could go back in time and speak to your younger self during school, what would you say?

Perfection doesn’t exist, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, that’s all part of the learning. Also keep going and never give up!! Don’t compare or compete with others; focus on improving yourself each day!

Best quote you live by and why

"This is my mantra, I use it everyday!".

"I’m doing my best".

"I can only control the controllables".

"I’m choosing to be kind to myself".

If you would like to take part in Portrait of Alumna, please email alumni@fhs-sw1.org.uk