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Theatre lovers in Rutland are in for a spectacular evening as the Horseshoe Theatre Company prepares to stage its latest production, "Memories," a brand-new musical written by John McMillan.
The highly anticipated, one-night-only performance will take place on Friday, 10th July at 7:30pm at the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Theatre, located at Oakham School on Ashwell Road (LE15 6QG).
A Night of West End Classics
"Memories" promises to be an unforgettable musical journey. Alongside an original narrative, the show will feature a powerful selection of unforgettable, show-stopping songs from some of the world’s most beloved West End and Broadway musicals, including:
The production's evocative promotional artwork features a solitary silhouette of a woman walking down a misty country road at sunset, carrying a suitcase—teasing a poignant, emotional story that matches the sweeping scale of the music.
Supporting a Great Cause
Beyond providing an evening of top-tier entertainment, the production is dedicated to giving back to the community. Net proceeds from all ticket sales will go directly to the Oliver Liddar Foundation, supporting their ongoing charitable work.
Event Details at a Glance:
Production:Memories: A New Musical by John McMillan
Tickets are priced at £25 and are expected to sell quickly. Members of the public can secure their seats through two convenient methods:
In-Person: Tickets can be purchased directly from Oakham Wines.
Online: Bookings can be made online via wegottickets.com or by scanning the QR code featured on the official event posters distributed around town.
Don't miss out on what promises to be one of the highlights of Oakham's summer cultural calendar. Book your tickets today to enjoy an incredible night of musical theatre while supporting a fantastic local cause.
For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area,
Rutland Rallies for Lorna's Legacy, Raising Nearly £10,000 for Children's Cancer Charity, Supershoes at Oakham Schools, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Video Highlights and Photographs
Rutland Rallies for Lorna's Legacy, Raising Nearly £10,000
for Children's Cancer Charity, Supershoes
at Oakham Schools, Queen Elizabeth Theatre,
Nyx Arielle on Stilts
Rutland Rallies for Lorna's Legacy, Raising Nearly £10,000 for Children's Cancer Charity
Oakham, Rutland – July 23, 2025
The spirit of a local fundraiser, Lorna Grey, was vibrantly celebrated as the Oakham School's Queen Elizabeth Theatre hosted the inaugural Lorna's Legacy Rutland Variety Show. The event was a resounding success, raising nearly £10,000 for Supershoes, a small children's cancer charity, in a heartfelt tribute to Lorna.
Allan Grey, Lorna's husband and the driving force behind Lorna's Legacy, expressed immense gratitude for the overwhelming support. He confirmed that ticket sales alone generated over £7,000, with additional significant donations flowing directly to Supershoes through their website from those unable to attend. The evening was a poignant one, marking almost a year since Lorna's passing, and Allan was visibly moved by the turnout dedicated to remembering his wife.
The evening kicked off an hour before the main show with a bustling courtyard gathering. Attendees enjoyed refreshments and entertainment provided by Otter's Fine Foods and Ovation Wine who served delectable food and drinks, while the air buzzed with performances from Sing Out Rutland, who presented their "African Dream" repertoire, and Leicester magician Sean Curtis, who captivated the crowd with impressive close-up magic tricks. Nyx Arielle enchanted guests on stilts.
The show officially commenced at 7 PM, seamlessly compered in the style of the Eurovision Song Contest by Rob Persani of Rutland and Stamford Sounds and renowned speaker Caroline Aston.
Sarah White from Supershoes delivered a moving address, sharing personal anecdotes about Lorna Grey and expressing profound thanks to her family for their unwavering support. She highlighted the vital work of Supershoes, a charity that collaborates with volunteer artists to create bespoke, hand-painted "supershoes" for children battling cancer. Sarah emphasised that these unique shoes provide a crucial boost of confidence, joy, and encouragement for movement during an incredibly challenging time, stating that "Lorna witnessed first-hand the power of a pair of Supershoes."
A Night of Diverse Talent
The stage came alive with a rich tapestry of local talent, showcasing the vibrant arts scene in Rutland:
The evening began on a cheerful note with The D'Ukes of Rutland, who performed a delightful selection of tunes on the ukulele and keyboard.
Following them, music student Rachelle Bamber delivered a moving vocal performance, complemented by a flute solo, of "Bless This Show" and "Where the Lost Things Go."
The Jazettes, a dance group founded by Diahann Berridge that brings together individuals with no prior dance experience, charmed the audience with two engaging performances.
Darren Hall, performing as "Flying Solo," captivated the audience with his soulful vocals and guitar, delivering hits by George Ezra, Snow Patrol, and Elton John.
The Rutland Youth Association Dads, a group formed in 2019 to support the CALM campaign, brought laughter and energy with their unique performance, known for "wobbling their bits."
Soprano Sophie Hurst, of "Sophie's Voice," showcased her remarkable talent, having recently performed as the lead soprano in "The Sorcerer Opera" in Buxton.
During the interval, Sing Out Rutland provided acapella entertainment in the courtyard, keeping the festive atmosphere alive.
The second half of the show continued with equally captivating acts:
The Rutland Voices Choir, under the baton of Peter Davis, uplifted spirits with a cheerful selection of songs, including "Here Comes the Sun" and "Lovely Day."
Hannah and Cally, performing as Mishap Theatre, brought tears of laughter with their hilarious clowning routine.
The Vintage Singers transported the audience with classic hits and a humorous take on a Justin Bieber song.
Nyx Arielle returned to the stage, mesmerising the audience with her fire performance set to music.
Steve Foster delivered a powerful trumpet solo, followed by a beautiful duet with Peter Davis on keyboard.
The Jazettes returned for a second performance, drawing the main part of the show to a close.
Before the grand finale, the Lorna's Legacy team, including Allan Grey, Diahann Berridge, Lorna's daughters Hanna and Lucy, and neighbours Liz, Wes, and Mark, took to the stage. Allan delivered a heartfelt tribute to Lorna and thanked the entire team for their immense contributions and support in bringing the evening to fruition.
The night culminated with a dynamic performance by Rutland favorites The Houndogs, who got the entire crowd on their feet, singing and dancing to a selection of their hits. The evening concluded with a well-deserved full standing ovation for all the brilliant performers and organizers who put together an incredible showcase of Rutland's heart and soul for a truly worthy cause.
Lorna's Legacy, established by Allan after her passing in April 2024, aims to perpetuate Lorna's lifelong dedication to fundraising. Despite living with the complications of Type 1 diabetes from the age of 11 and even suffering a brain hemorrhage, Lorna fearlessly bungee jumped, abseiled, and zip-lined to raise money for various causes. Her memory lives on through these ongoing efforts, inspiring others to give back.
Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Whistle Down The Wind, Oakham School, Oakham, Rutland
Main School Production.
Wednesday 30th November to Saturday 3 December 2011
7.45pm
The time is the late 1950's the place, a small
village in Lancashire. Hurrying to a barn with
three rescued kittens, Cathy, a schoolgirl,
discovers a stranger hiding there. Her simple
faith proclaims him immediately as Jesus
Christ and in wonder she tells her sister Nan
and her brother Charles. They decide to tell
nobody, but gradually word spreads through
the children of the village. Anxious to protect
their Jesus from unbelieving adults, they
keep His arrival a secret besides, most
of their parents are preoccupied with news
of a convict on the loose in the area. Trouble
starts when the village bully, Raymond,
threatens to give the game away...
Adapted from the much loved film and novel,
this critically acclaimed musical shows just
how powerful love can be when the
innocence of childhood collides with
the cynicism of the adult world.
Gilly Norell director
Tessa Drummond musical director
Whistle Down The Wind is based on the novel by Mark Hayley Bell and the screenplay by Willis Hall and Kieth Waterhouse and the film by Richard Attenborough and Brian Forbes. Adapted by Russell Labey and Richard Taylor Music and lyrics by Richard Taylor
These amateur performances are presented by a arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd.
Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Oakham School, Oakham, Rutland
A2 Devised Performances
Thursday 8th and Friday 9th December 2011 7.45pm
Quirky and cutting edge, if past years'
offerings are anything to go by, this is the
pinnacle of the A2 examination course. Pieces
devised entirely by the students will be daring
and controversial, as the Seventh Form "have
their say" Expect the unexpected. Not to be missed
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