The headmaster of a leading Midlands independent school has become an unlikely action hero, starring in a festive parody of the Mission: Impossible film franchise to announce the end of term.
A Race Against Time to the Carols
Keith Metcalfe, head of Malvern College in Worcestershire, created the two-minute video to humorously reveal that school was out for Christmas. The clip, set to the iconic theme tune, shows Mr Metcalfe in a desperate race against the clock to reach the school's carol service.
The footage opens with the headteacher calmly reading a leadership book on a bench in the Malvern Hills. The peace is shattered by a phone call from a church member informing him the service "starts in two minutes!". Springing into action, Mr Metcalfe commandeers a bicycle from a passer-by and careers down the hillside in his suit and helmet, before skidding to a halt outside a café.
Homage to Hollywood Stunts
In a cheeky nod to Tom Cruise's character, the smartly-dressed head then grabs a patron's coffee for a quick sip. He is later seen sprinting across the grounds of the 19th-century institution – whose alumni include author C.S. Lewis – and even rappelling down the side of a college building.
With flawless timing, he slips into his ceremonial robes just as the service begins. The video is the latest in a series of popular sketches by Mr Metcalfe, who last year gained over a million views for a parody of Hugh Grant's dance from Love Actually.
Promoting School Spirit and Activities
Speaking about the videos, Mr Metcalfe said: "When we did the Love Actually video last Christmas, it was just a bit of fun, but it was so well received that we thought, 'Well, why not do more?'."
"They're a fun way of promoting some of the things we get up to in the school, and it's something a bit different for me, too. The Mission: Impossible film has been a lot more involved, but it showcases some of the many outdoor pursuits that we offer at Malvern."
Malvern College, where annual fees can reach £60,000, has a strong tradition in outdoor education, making the action-packed spoof a fitting celebration of the end of term.
