Rustington mummy has much to say over tomb trials

These year-four thespians from Georgian Gardens Primary School, in Guildford Road, took to the stage inside their school hall to retell the story of how the pharaoh’s tomb was discovered, in 1922.

The youngsters, who rehearsed for several weeks for their big day, told captive audiences about the moment archaeologist Howard Carter, Lord Carnarvon and his daughter Lady Evelyn found the hidden burial chamber.

Eight-year-old William Dadswell took on the role of Lord Carnarvon for the performance, supported by classmates Tommy Van der Vyver, nine, as Howard Carter, and Ellie Gordon, nine, as Lady Evelyn.

However, the star of the show was nine-year-old Oliver Finch, who came to life as a walking, talking Tutankhamun.

Oliver told the crowds during the two performances, last week, about the pharaoh’s life and death as well as the gruesome goings on to prepare his body for the afterlife.

For the pupils, it was the culmination of this term’s topic around the Egyptians.

To familiarise themselves with the ancient culture, the children visited the British Museum, in London, to gain first-hand experience of historic Egyptian artefacts, as well as mummies and the processes involved in mummification.

Teacher Anne Lawrence said the night was a “great success”, adding: “Everyone was hugely impressed with the dedication the children showed to learning their parts and making their own costumes and props. It really showcased the huge amount the pupils learned this term, and was the perfect follow-up to their visit to the British Museum.”