ArtsEd is beaming with pride as two of its remarkable alumni have received prestigious nominations for the 2025 Tony Awards, honouring outstanding achievement on Broadway.
David Cumming, MA Acting 2009 Graduate, has earned nominations in four major categories for Operation Mincemeat — Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) Written for the Theatre and Best Performance By An Actor In A Featured Role In A Musical. The critically acclaimed production, co-created and performed by Cumming, has captivated audiences with its wit, originality, and musical brilliance.
“It’s wonderful to see MA Acting alumnus David Cumming deservedly nominated for a Tony Award for his charming and hilarious work as co-creator and performer of Operation Mincemeat directed by Robert Hastie. The MA course at ArtsEd enables students to learn multiple skills and celebrates actors who are also writers, musicians, directors and more. David is an amazing example of how developing your skillset and championing who you are can lead to great things.” George Richmond-Scott, MA Acting Course Leader
In another major category Tom Francis, BA Musical Theatre 2020 Graduate, has been nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for his outstanding portrayal in Sunset Boulevard. Tom’s powerful performance has won acclaim both in London and now on the Broadway stage.
“We are all delighted and thrilled for Tom on his Tony nomination for Best Performance by An Actor In A Leading Role In A Musical for his performance in Sunset Boulevard. Tom is an outstanding performer and ambassador for the school. He epitomises the very best of ArtsEd, and the world-class training facilitated and delivered here by our brilliant faculty of expert tutors.” Jonathan O’Boyle, Director of the School of Musical Theatre
At ArtsEd, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of performers, storytellers, and theatre-makers. The success of David and Tom is a testament to their exceptional talent, dedication, and the comprehensive training they received during their time with us.
Congratulations Tom and David, from all of us at ArtsEd! We’ll be cheering you on at the Tony Awards.
The Board of Trustees is delighted to announce the appointment of four new Trustees. They were selected for their expertise in leadership and experience across a range of sectors including Finance, Legal and Secondary Education.
“They all have a passion for the performing arts and I have no doubt that they will make excellent additions to our board.”
Claire Blunt, Chair of Trustees
Sarah Hopwood (Finance)
Sarah Hopwood is an experienced business leader and CFO; a qualified Chartered Accountant, with extensive experience in financial services, media and entertainment, family businesses, education, and the arts. Sarah has been involved in the management of the international opera charity, Glyndebourne, for nearly 30 years as Trustee, Managing Director and previously CFO. Sarah now has a portfolio of non-executive and Trustee roles in organisations ranging from Ed-Tech to the Arts. She lives in East Sussex and is very committed to local community engagement, particularly in ensuring access to the Arts for everyone.
Laura McGaughey (Finance)
Laura McGaughey is a senior finance and operational executive who has spent her career in UK and international media organisations. She qualified as a Chartered Accountant at Ernst & Young and has since worked largely in TV and Film, starting at the BBC/BBC Studios, where she played a key role in the transformation of BBC Studios production to a commercial operation. She is currently Chief Financial and Operating Officer at Anton Studios, a European independent studio. Throughout her career she has supported boards in delivering growth and organisational change, as well as chairing gender and diversity boards, including setting up and supported mentoring and women’s finance networks. Laura holds non-executive roles on BAFTA’s Audit and Risk Committee, as well as at Knowledge Schools Trust, a multi-academy Trust, where she sits on the Board of Governors and chairs their Finance and Operations Committee.
Richard Nicholson (Secondary Education)
A musician by training, Richard Nicholson was a chorister at Southwell Minster and subsequently organ scholar at Lichfield Cathedral before being elected Organ Scholar at Pembroke College, Oxford. Richard began his teaching career in west London and was Director of Music in two schools before moving into school leadership. He is currently Foundation Principal of Warwick Schools Foundation, one of the largest educational charities in the U.K. He is passionate about the place of the arts as part of every child’s educational entitlement and actively supports instrumental and choral projects to bring that to fruition in the town of Warwick and the wider region.
Matthew Wilson (Legal)
Matt is Chief Legal Officer at Fremantle, which is a global content producer of over 12,000 hours of original programming every year across drama, entertainment, documentaries, and film. He joined Fremantle in August 2021 and sits on the global board. Prior to Fremantle, Matt was based in Amsterdam as General Counsel for EMEA & APAC for Uber, leading a diverse, international team who helped Uber Rides to scale, launch Uber Eats and JUMP bikes (now Lime) and stabilise and grow the business across over 50 countries, culminating in a successful listing on the NYSE in 2019. Matt started his career with four years at Baker & McKenzie, followed by an overall six-year stint in senior roles for global telco Telefónica with a spell at Arsenal Football Club in the middle. Matt studied Economics and Politics and is a practicing Solicitor (England and Wales).
We are thrilled to welcome Sarah, Laura, Richard and Matthew to ArtsEd.
On Thursday 3 April, we were thrilled to welcome the legendary British musical theatre writing duo George Stiles and Anthony Drewe to ArtsEd. As part of our Year 12 Musical Theatre assessments, students have spent the term immersing themselves in the British musical theatre canon — with a particular focus on the works of Stiles & Drewe. To have George and Anthony join us in the audience for these performances was not only an incredible honour, but also a hugely inspiring moment for our students and staff alike.
Stiles and Drewe are among the most celebrated musical theatre composers and lyricists in the UK today. Their exceptional partnership has resulted in a catalogue of critically acclaimed and widely beloved productions, including Betty Blue Eyes, Soho Cinders, HONK!, Just So, Peter Pan – A Musical Adventure, Tutankhamun, and their contributions to the world-famous Cameron Mackintosh/Disney production of Mary Poppins, for which they wrote new songs, vocal arrangements, and dance music. HONK! alone has become a global phenomenon, seen by over six million people in more than 8,000 productions across 20+ languages — and counting.
“We had a great afternoon watching not only a selection of our songs, but also those of many recent British musical theatre writers, performed by Year 12 at ArtsEd. The standard of the performers was amazing – they all seemed so self-assured and confident in their delivery, as well as maintaining their own individuality. It was hard to believe that they were all so young. We also found the sense of ‘family’, support and mutual admiration amongst the students both touching and refreshing. As we said to the performers, we look forward to meeting them again out in the big wide world of theatre.” George Stiles and Anthony Drewe
The students have been studying material from the British Musical Theatre canon with a focus on their work for the past term and it was a very special experience to have them in the audience for the culmination of this project. Their visit was an extraordinary opportunity for our students, who not only had the chance to perform the writers’ work directly in front of them, but also benefited from their generous feedback and reflections. George and Anthony took the time to speak with students after the show, offering valuable insights and behind-the-scenes stories drawn from over 40 years of experience in the industry. Their warmth, encouragement and wisdom made a lasting impact, and served as a powerful reminder of the creativity and community that lies at the heart of musical theatre.
It was a joyful and celebratory end to an enriching term of study, and one that our Year 12 students will definitely carry with them as they continue their training and begin to carve their own paths in the industry.
“We were extremely grateful that George and Anthony made the time to come to watch our Musical Theatre students perform some of their work. They were incredibly generous with their time, feedback, stories and advice to our students, and I know that they all benefitted hugely from this experience. It was a very special afternoon celebrating our students’ achievements and the wonderful work of British Musical Theatre composers from the past 30 years.” Giovanna Ryan, Head of Musical Theatre at Day School & Sixth Form, ArtsEd
Thank you, George and Anthony, for sharing your time, your expertise, and your love for musical theatre with us. We hope to welcome you back to ArtsEd again very soon.
We were delighted to welcome ArtsEd graduates Emily Lane (Sixth Form 2017, BA Musical Theatre 2020), Samuel Creasey (BA Acting 2020), and Kelvin Ade (MA Acting 2021) back to the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Theatre on Thursday, 27 March, at 7pm, for an inspiring evening discussing their journeys since graduating.
Hosted by Maame Atuah, Head of Short Courses & Outreach, the conversation explored each panellist’s experiences at ArtsEd—from their first audition to their final performance—and their exciting careers over the past few years.
Emily Lane reflected on her experiences performing alongside Imelda Staunton in Hello Dolly!, discussing valuable lessons she carried forward from ArtsEd into her role as Anna in Frozen, and emphasised the importance of continuous training and growth after graduation. Kelvin Ade shared fascinating insights into his current theatre debut in Three Sisters at Shakespeare’s Globe, highlighting the differences between preparing for stage roles and his on-screen experiences, such as in SAS Rogue Heroes and The Regime. Samuel Creasey provided an engaging perspective on his rehearsal process for A Winter’s Tale at Shakespeare’s Globe, where he portrayed the Young Shepherd in his native Welsh accent, and how this role reignited his passion for magic during his involvement in Derren Brown’s Unbelievable.
“It was incredibly useful for the students to get guidance from successful alumni on how they were navigating the industry and getting high quality work. The panellists were very generous with their insights, especially about the casting process, the importance of identifying with the character, and practical ways to do this.” Jake Harders, Head of Acting at ArtsEd
The evening concluded with an interactive Q&A session, providing current students the chance to seek direct advice from the panel. The alumni generously shared valuable insights and practical wisdom, reinforcing ArtsEd’s commitment to nurturing and investing in our students’ futures.
Events like this underline ArtsEd’s dedication to celebrating and strengthening connections within our community. They inspire current students through the remarkable achievements of our alumni, fostering ongoing relationships and celebrating our graduates’ outstanding journeys in the performing arts industry.
“The In Conversation With event at ArtsEd was a truly inspiring occasion to hear wise, witty and practical advice from successful alumni. It was such a pleasure to welcome them back to the school, listen to their achievements and to learn about their strategies for striving and thriving in the industry. The current students got so much out of it and were thrilled to meet them afterwards and continue the conversation.” George Richmond-Scott, MA Acting Course Leader at ArtsEd
“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended this insightful evening—the first in our exciting new In Conversation With… Alumni series. Your continued support means so much, and we look forward to welcoming you to our next event very soon.” Susie Butt, Head of Development at ArtsEd
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Claire Blunt as Chair of the Board of Trustees from 31 March 2025. Claire is an experienced strategic leader, board director, and advocate for education and the arts. Claire’s governance expertise is extensive, informed by her financial and legal qualifications and multiple board directorships. As Independent Non-Executive Chair at One Media iP Group Plc, she has ensured adherence to governance frameworks while supporting strategic growth. She has also contributed to the charitable sector through non-executive roles at The Archangel Trust and Newstraid Benevolent fund, and most recently in her executive capacity as CEO of The National Family Centre, overseeing financial and educational initiatives with a focus on equity and opportunity.
Claire’s love for performing arts began in childhood, later working in theatre and dance to fund her university education. This early passion has evolved into a lifelong commitment to fostering talent and championing the transformative power of the arts. With a career spanning executive and non-executive leadership roles, Claire has successfully guided organisations through complex challenges, driving sustainable growth and fostering inclusive cultures.
A strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, Claire has led initiatives to drive equity across industries. At Hearst, the global media business, she spearheaded a transformative change in the UK to the annual pay review process, significantly increasing employee engagement and addressing gender pay disparities.
Claire’s passion for the arts, along with her business acumen and governance expertise, perfectly position her to support ArtsEd as it continues to deliver world-class vocational training and inspire the next generation of performers.
Acting Chair of Trustees, Farida Mannan, said:
“It has been a privilege to serve as the Acting Chair of ArtsEd; it has been a remarkable journey. This role has brought me a profound appreciation for the talent, dedication, and creativity that defines our community.
As I step down from this position, it is with great confidence and excitement that I, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, welcome Claire Blunt as the new Chair and I look forward to working with her in the future. Claire brings a wealth of experience and passion, and I am certain that under her leadership of the Board, ArtsEd will continue to thrive and inspire the future generations.”
Claire Blunt said:
“I am thrilled to join ArtsEd as the newly appointed Chair and to champion its mission to inspire and empower the next generation of creative talent. With a deep passion for the arts and education I am committed to driving innovation, excellence and opportunity whilst working with the incredible staff and students.”
We would like to thank Farida Mannan for her ongoing stewardship of ArtsEd, and in particular for stepping up as Acting Chair during the last year.
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Louise Jackson as the Principal of ArtsEd from July 2025. Louise brings a wealth of senior leadership experience across a diverse range of educational and performing arts institutions, and we are confident that her vision and expertise will be instrumental in guiding ArtsEd into an exciting future.
With a distinguished career that includes leadership and teaching roles at BIMM University, Trinity Laban, and the University of Chichester, Louise has a proven track record of driving institutional change and enhancing academic provision. At BIMM University, she played a pivotal role in the successful transformation of the institution, implementing a new operating model and supporting the integration of MetFilm School following acquisition in 2024. Her focus on student outcomes and prioritising quality and academic performance has characterised her commitment to educational excellence and student success.
Louise is widely recognised for her ability to lead significant cultural and operational change, engaging with a broad range of stakeholders to build strong, collaborative relationships. She has championed empathetic approaches to leadership at every institution she has worked with, ensuring that staff, students, and parents are supported through periods of transition. Her experience of regulatory frameworks, quality assurance, and academic governance will be invaluable as ArtsEd continues to strengthen its position in the sector.
In addition to her leadership credentials, Louise’s commitment to teaching excellence has been recognised by the award of a prestigious National Teaching Fellowship, the highest award for teaching in higher education in the UK and she is a passionate advocate for the value of academic research and practice-based scholarship in the arts. Louise’s research has focused on specialist arts education, such as that delivered in conservatoires and drama schools. Her work has focused on developing inclusive approaches to teaching and curriculum and the development of artists who are teaching in higher education. Through this, she has mentored artist-educators to undertake their first piece of research based on their creative or teaching practices. More recently she has focused on leadership in arts education and enjoys mentoring emerging leaders from different arts backgrounds.
Described as a dynamic, collaborative, and people-focused leader, Louise’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for ArtsEd. Louise brings a unique and authentic perspective to her work, aligning closely with ArtsEd’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all. Her strategic insight, coupled with her deep understanding of the performing arts landscape, will help us build on our legacy of excellence and innovation.
We look forward to welcoming Louise to ArtsEd and working together to achieve our shared ambitions.
Acting Chair of Trustees, Farida Mannan, said
“We are very excited to welcome Louise to ArtsEd, bringing, as she does, such a wealth of educational and leadership experience. We were very impressed by the exceptional pool of talent that had applied for this pivotal role and are grateful to Odgers for their expertise in guiding us through the rigorous process of appointment. Louise’s arrival will signal the beginning of an exciting new chapter for ArtsEd, overlapping, as it does, with the imminent appointment of a permanent Chair of Trustees and other new members of the Board. On behalf of the trustees, I would also like to extend my thanks to the Executive Leadership Team and all the staff at ArtsEd who have stepped up during the period of this vacancy. We are very grateful for the stability you have provided.”
Louise Jackson said:
“It is a privilege to be invited to take up the role of Principal at ArtsEd. I am looking forward to working with the talented pupils, students, staff, alumni and Board members to ensure the continuation of the world leading provision in acting, musical theatre and dance training. Education is a powerful force for transformation, and I am committed to fostering an environment where creativity, passion, and excellence can thrive. Together, we will build on ArtsEd’s impressive history, embracing innovation while staying true to the values that make this institution so special. ArtsEd is perfectly positioned to be at the forefront, in the UK and internationally, of training that is representative of 21st Century Britain and beyond. I am excited to collaborate with the entire community—supporting, inspiring, and empowering every individual to reach their full potential.”
We are thrilled to celebrate our Vice President, David Grindrod, who has been honoured with the gong for Creative Collaboration by the Los Angeles-based Casting Society’s 40th annual Artios Awards. This prestigious award recognises David’s exceptional impact on the entertainment industry.
A longstanding advocate and ambassador of ArtsEd, David has been Vice President since 2017, following six years as a trustee. His immeasurable support, advice, and expertise have been invaluable to our students and staff, helping to shape the next generation of performers.
David’s influence extends far beyond ArtsEd. In 1998, he launched David Grindrod Associates, a company specialising in casting for West End and international musical theatre, as well as film and television.
As well as being our Vice President, David is a Trustee of Watermill Theatre Newbury and The Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre, and he is a proud Associate Artist of the Old Vic Theatre. Our Acting Chair of Trustees shared:
“David Grindrod’s unwavering dedication in mentoring the students at ArtsEd has been nothing short of transformative. His exceptional expertise and passion have not only elevated the institution but have also inspired countless students to reach new heights in their artistic journeys. David’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering creativity is a true testament to his remarkable vision, leadership and loyalty to performing arts education. We are very fortunate to have David as our Vice President.” Farida Mannan, Acting Chair of Trustees.
Jonathan O’Boyle, Director of School of Musical Theatre also extended his congratulations, sharing:
“We are delighted for David and his award and recognition for Creative Collaboration at the 40th annual Artios Awards. David is an outstanding casting director, mentor and supporter of ArtsEd. His guidance and support of our students is extremely valuable and unwavering. He brings a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and experience to us, for which, we are extremely grateful. We are fortunate to have him as our Vice President, and we look forward to continuing our longstanding relationship with him. Congratulations David!”
David’s recognition at the Artios Awards is a testament to his passion, skill, and dedication. We are immensely proud to have him as part of the ArtsEd community and look forward to seeing his continued impact on the world of entertainment.
Image: David Grindrod pictured with Judy Craymer who presented the award.
We are absolutely delighted to share the fantastic review we have received from The Good Schools Guide. This latest assessment highlights both our exceptional performing arts training and the strong academic foundation that underpins everything we do. As the UK’s most trusted school guide for over 35 years, The Good Schools Guide provides candid and impartial reviews, and it is truly wonderful to see our unique approach to education so warmly recognised.
Published in January 2025, The Good Schools Guide described ArtsEd Day School and Sixth Form as:
A small school that provides exceptional opportunities for those aiming for a career in the performing arts, while providing a solid academic base for both prospective professionals and those who may choose a different path.
Our school is celebrated for its “positive, buzzing, supportive” environment, where students flourish under the guidance of dedicated, experienced educators who inspire and challenge them every day.
Interim Headteacher Peter Middleton shared his enthusiasm about the review:
We are delighted to have received such a glowing review from The Good Schools Guide. By every measure, we are an outstanding School, however, it is reassuring to receive such a positive review from the UK’s number one school guide. The review bears testament to our inspirational environment, inclusive ethos, and the dedication of our staff to deliver a thriving, supportive and nurturing School. We offer our sincere thanks to all the students, staff, and parents who assisted with this and for sharing their wonderful insights and experiences of life at ArtsEd.
One of the standout highlights of the review is the exceptional quality of teaching we provide. Students describe our performing arts training as “amazing,” with parents echoing that “the teaching is the best they’ve ever had.” Our staff bring a wealth of industry experience into the classroom, ensuring that our students receive world-class training in dance, drama, and musical theatre.
This latest endorsement from The Good Schools Guide reaffirms that ArtsEd is an exceptional place to learn and grow. Our ability to combine world-class performing arts training with a strong academic foundation makes us truly unique. We remain deeply committed to equipping our students with the skills, confidence, and resilience to succeed, wherever their journey may take them.
ArtsEd’s first event of 2025 was a resounding success, as we welcomed over 100 guests, representing over 40 businesses, to our annual Chiswick Arts and Business Drinks, held in partnership with the Chiswick Book Festival. This much-anticipated evening brought together a vibrant mix of local businesses, arts organisations, and supporters, all gathered to celebrate creativity, foster connections, and strengthen the rich cultural fabric of our community.
“We started these New Year Drinks nine years ago as a way of bringing together the arts organisations in Chiswick, with the local businesses and media that support them, so they could get to know each other – and it has spawned lots of exciting new partnerships, friendships and events. We have already hit the ground running in what is going to be a bumper year for culture.” Torin Douglas, Director of Chiswick Book Festival
Speeches, Connections, and Celebration
The evening officially opened with a warm welcome from Torin Douglas, representing both Chiswick Book Festival and the Bedford Park Society. He spoke passionately about the long-standing relationship between Chiswick’s thriving arts scene and its local businesses, highlighting how events like these help cultivate a sense of shared purpose and community investment. Following Torin’s address, Peter Middleton, Headteacher of the Day School & Sixth Form at ArtsEd, took to the stage to share ArtsEd’s mission and aspirations for the future.
“We are proudly one of the most successful performing arts institutionsboth in the UK and on the world stage. We all know the outstanding calibre of the talent here at ArtsEd, but we want to provide more support for our individuals via our bursaries and scholarships, and allow more young people to access and thrive inour unique performing arts programmes. We need the support of our Friends and local community tohelp us continue to provide outstanding opportunities for the next generation of young peoplewhose focus is on acting, dancing and musical theatre” Peter Middleton, Headteacher of the Day School & Sixth Form
Culinary Delights & Outstanding Performances
Cici Lihn performing at Chiswick Arts and Business Drinks 2025
Todd Dachtler performing at the Chiswick Arts and Business Drinks 2025
Emma McGiff performing at the Chiswick Arts and Business Drinks 2025
Deshawn Gordon performing at the Chiswick Arts and Business Drinks 2025
Guests were treated to an array of delicious offerings, generously provided by our event partners. Chiswick Cinema delighted attendees with Joe & Seph’s popcorn and exclusive gift cards, while Harriet Benton served up their signature pepper pots and exquisite canapés. The Hogarth Club offered discount vouchers and exclusive day passes, and TruffleHound provided indulgent dessert canapés.
The entertainment for the evening, was captivating and showcased the incredible talent at ArtsEd, from the Day School to Higher education.
Sixth Form students Todd Dachtler and Ceci Lihn provided an enchanting performance, accompanying themselves on guitar. Ceci’s rendition of ‘Both Sides Now’ by Joni Mitchell was deeply moving, while Todd’s powerful performance of ‘Say It To Me Now’ from Once left the room spellbound.
Later in the evening, third-year BA Musical Theatre students took to the stage. Emma McGiff delivered a breathtaking performance of ‘Woman’ from The Pirate Queen, followed by Deshawn Gordon’s stirring rendition of ‘Corner of the Sky’ from Pippin, both accompanied by Brook Blackford-Jenkins on piano.
Following their performances, Emma and Deshawn participated in an engaging Q&A session, led by Susie Butt, Head of Development at ArtsEd, where they shared insights into their ArtsEd journey and the impact of bursary support on their training.
Looking Ahead: The Future of ArtsEd
The evening concluded with a heartfelt address from Susie Butt, who thanked attendees for their ongoing support and highlighted our fundraising goals for the future.
“Every donation, every partnership, and every connection made here tonight directly contributes to the development of our students and will help us reach our ambitious fundraising targets to further support talented students and widen access to our training programmes. We look forward to sharingour fundraising plans with you soon.” Susie Butt, Head of Development
At ArtsEd, we are incredibly proud to be part of such a dynamic and supportive community. A huge thank you to all our partners, attendees, and collaborators for making this evening a truly memorable celebration of the arts.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can support ArtsEd and become an ArtsEd Friend, please get in touch with development@artsed.co.uk or visit the link below:
This December marks 10 years since the sudden passing of Chris Hornby so we wanted to reflect on the wonderful legacy that has been created in his name.
Chris sadly passed away unexpectedly at the age of 43 whilst working at the Lyceum Theatre as Resident Director of The Lion King in December 2014.
Chris performed in many West End shows, including Starlight Express, Anything Goes, Billy Elliot and Guys and Dolls. Chris also worked as a successful director, choreographer, dance captain and actor.
Chris was much loved in the industry and was passionate about supporting young and upcoming talent. As a former ArtsEd student and bursary recipient himself, Chris knew the vital role that bursaries play in a young person’s journey into the performing arts industry and in widening access to drama training.
Chris’s bursary had a big impact on his life and all those he went on to meet.
The Chris Hornby Fund was set up in 2015 as a lasting legacy that will help talented students at ArtsEd facing financial hardship.
The first Chris Hornby Bursary Scholar Jacob Thomas, graduated in 2020, completing his BA in Musical Theatre.
Jacob Thomas said:
“The support I have received not only financially but emotionally from Tim and the Chris Hornby bursary has been a crucial factor in my development and completing my degree. This has been a life changing opportunity that would not have been possible without the bursary. I am so excited to see where my career takes me, and to make Tim and Chris proud.”
The bursary has since supported four other scholars into the industry, Maria Connelly, covering and playing Christine in the European Tour of Phantom of the Opera, Ria Tanaka, touring the UK in Chicago after performing in two West End Shows, Bella Brown, playing one of The Fates and covering and playing Eurydice in Hades Town and Asher Forth, as Green Arrow and covering and playing Rusty and Electra in Starlight Express.
The current bursary scholar is Deshawn Gordon who is busy rehearsing for Sister Act after having great success as Jack in Into The Woods at ArtsEd.
We are all extremely grateful for the continued generosity of our supporters, Chris’s family and friends and for the continuing support from Chris’s partner, Tim English.
The wonderful thing about Chris’s fund is that the vital financial assistance is accompanied by invaluable personal support, in the form of Tim’s expert mentoring and encouragement. We would really love to be able to continue this connection in years to come, supporting the next generation of performers and story-tellers.
If you would like to help us remember Chris and keep the bursary going, then please make a donation today. Every donation will make a difference, enabling future students to thrive and keeping Chris’s legacy bright.
“Chris was a great advocate for younger performers and seeing our scholars shine warms my heart and comforts me that his death has not been in vain.
I’m determined that the Chris Hornby Bursary should continue to provide funds and mentoring for as many students as we can. Everyone with a dream to perform deserves a little help.Thank you for your continued, love and support and honouring Chris’ memory. It’s hugely appreciated.
