Orlando, who attended King’s Ely until 2020, has gone on to build an impressive career as a professional stunt performer, actor, and fight director, working across film, television, and live performance in the UK and internationally. His return to Ely offered a fascinating insight into a highly specialised creative industry, and it was a pleasure to see him back at the school, sharing his work in the place where his own journey began.

Filming took place in and around the Old Palace, Cathedral Green, and surrounding school grounds. The usually tranquil setting was briefly transformed as the clash of steel and the rhythm of choreographed movement replaced the quiet of a January afternoon. Students and staff were able to catch glimpses of the planning, rehearsal, and technical precision required behind the scenes of professional stunt performance.

Outlaw Entertainments is one of the UK’s fastest-growing family-friendly stunt teams, specialising in live stunt performance and immersive theatre. Their productions combine historically inspired combat with theatrical storytelling, brought to life by professional actors, fight performers, stunt specialists, trick riders, and horses. 

As fight director, Orlando played a central role in selecting Ely as a filming location, drawn by both personal ties to the city and the dramatic backdrop of the Cathedral and its surroundings. The setting proved ideally suited to the intensity of Renaissance- and Viking-era combat sequences, with performers rehearsing in historically inspired costume and using weapons crafted to reflect authentic historical forms.

During their time in Ely, Orlando and his team were generous with their time, speaking to pupils and staff about the varied pathways into the film and performance industries,and the discipline required in stunt work.

The visit was a powerful reminder of the breadth of careers pursued by King’s Ely alumni, and of the value of welcoming former pupils back to inspire the next generation. Orlando’s willingness to engage and share his professional experience made the visit both memorable and motivating.

We are very grateful to Orlando and the team at Outlaw Entertainments for returning to King’s Ely, and we look forward to following their continued success.

Photography by Mick Wass. Additional stills captured from footage by Matt Chang.