OT STORIES

Richard Warlow

Writer of TV ‘sensation’ The Serpent

Since attending Tonbridge between 1985 and 1990, Richard has carved out an extremely successful career in both film and television. He achieved a massive TV hit and widespread critical acclaim as lead writer, creator and joint executive producer for The Serpent, an eight-part thriller about the ‘Hippie Trail’ serial killer Charles Sobhraj. The true-crime drama is the most popular new iPlayer series since Normal People, with episodes having been streamed more than 31 million times to date.

Richard was also the lead writer, creator and executive producer on all five series of the BAFTA-nominated Ripper Street, which aired on the BBC and on Amazon Prime. Before he started writing, Richard worked as the Head of Development at DNA Films and as a Development Executive at Pathé, later embarking on a career as a screenwriter with his first screenplay Three Mile Horizon, which was optioned to Paramount Pictures.

Richard was first a boarder at Judde House (1985-88), then a day boy and Sixth Former at Whitworth House (1988-90). He said:

“I never dreamed when I was at school that I’d go on to work in the TV and film industry but I’d encourage anyone to look for a career there.”

Ben Earl

Ben (JH 2011-16) is an emerging England rugby star. Having been capped at U16, U18 and U20 level, he made his senior international debut in February 2020 against Scotland in the Six Nations Championships (as pictured), just three and a half years after leaving school. He also studies Comparative Literature at Queen Mary University.

Freddie de Tommaso

Freddie (WH 2006-11) continues his meteoric ascent in the opera world, having signed a recording contract with Decca at the age of 28. His latest album, Passione, was released in April. Opera Now magazine wrote: “ He is a young artist who holds onto opera’s traditional values, inspired by great singers of the past and learning his craft as he treads the boards with the stars of today.”

Zak Crawley

Zak (WH 2011-16) is a batsman for Kent County Cricket Club and a regular in the England Test side, having played in series against New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India. His innings of 267 last year was the second-highest maiden century scored by an England batsman in Test cricket.

Will Hislop

Will (WH 2006-11) is earning critical praise for his various roles as an actor, writer and stand-up comedian. He is one half of the critically acclaimed, Edinburgh Fringe Festival sell-out sketch group, Giants, is currently developing his own character comedy show and will soon be starring in a new BBC comedy.