Richard Roberts (QM 1973-80)
After obtaining a BA at Liverpool Uni, I spent a couple of years working out what direction to pursue and eventually decided to become a professional actor, training in London in the mid 1980’s. I have been in the business ever since, working on a mixture of theatre, TV, film and radio. I am currently contracted on Coronation Street until the end of July (Ed: stage name Tom Roberts).
So why am I contacting you, you may well ask. Truth is, I wanted, after all this time, to share a few thoughts of my time at Queen Marys. Please indulge me!
I think it’s safe to say I never really fitted the typical expected ‘ profile’ of the school. From around the 5th form, I found myself rebelling somewhat. I drifted towards peers who were breaking away form the academic mould: the smokers at the bottom of the field; the boys who defied the strict dress code; the renegades and the rebels. I was good at sport, representing the county at Rugby and winning medals at athletics, but academically I seemed to disengage, much to the frustration of my parents whose other two boys were shining lights at the school, one of them being Captain of School. Staff, too, seemed frustrated by me. I remember the day the names of prefects were read out and my name was not amongst them. In hindsight, I was just trying to make my own path - avoid conformity - but it didn’t fit school expectations. Nothing I did was serious ‘ bad behaviour’ - certainly not compared to today’s standards. Hitching a lift on the back of a milk float to improve my placing in the cross country was probably the worst example - resulting in the Head calling in my parents and a suspension.
One particular staff member was an inspiration. English teacher, Geoffrey Paxton, taught the subject with real humour and depth. He brought lessons alive . He also produced the school plays - the only way I could access my interest in drama - and it was him who set me on the path I still tread today. Drama may well be on the curriculum now, but back then it was less of a priority. I am so grateful he took it seriously.
My mother, Noelle, a teacher all her life, and later a governor at Blue Coat, and my father, Bob, Walsall’s Education Officer throughout the 70’s and 80’s, were always supportive. They must have been hurt when I took a little rebellious detour but, like all good parents, they never showed it.
There are so many ex pupils who have gone on to great success. (I have just done pantomime with one of them - Jeffrey Holland ) They are mentioned in articles, photos are on walls. I have done ok in life ... worked on West End Shows, acted in numerous TV dramas and continue to work regularly in a highly competitive profession yet it seems the rebel has blotted my copybook as far as the alumni is concerned.(*)
My memories of QM remain positive. Football in the CPA, the wonderful Farchynys , friendships that formed and remain strong today, brilliant teachers like Ken Yates and Geoff Paxton who made a genuine difference. I may not have made Prefect but I left with head held high.
All good wishes and hoping the school is in a proud and happy place.
Richard Roberts (stage name ‘ Tom Roberts ‘)
From The Express & Star December 2011:
A Walsall-born actor is preparing to star in a play alongside Hollywood actress Stefanie Powers.
Tom Roberts, aged 50, known for his part as DI Terry Wood in TV series Doctors, will be travelling around Britain for five months performing in On Golden Pond.
On Golden Pond is based on the 1981 film about an ageing couple who spend each summer at their home on a lake called Golden Pond. They are visited by their somewhat estranged daughter who introduces them to her fiancé Bill and asks them to take care of his young son in a story about the elderly strangers bonding with the young boy.