03.11.2015
On Monday 26 October a memorial event was held at the Lyceum Theatre with family and friends from across the industry sharing their memories of ArtsEd alumnus Chris Hornby.
Chris was highly regarded across the theatre industry having performed in many professional shows including Starlight Express, Anything Goes, Billy Elliot and Guys and Dolls, before moving on to creative roles. It was whilst working at the Lyceum Theatre as Resident Director of The Lion King that Chris sadly passed away in December 2014.
Performances at the memorial included You Are My Sunshine sung by Louise Dearman, Circle of Life performed by the cast of The Lion King, Bach Cello Concerto No1 played by Philip Taylor and dance pieces from The Lion King cast members Kella Panay, Francisco Lins and Hugo Batista. ArtsEd third year musical theatre students sang a moving rendition of Nat King Cole’s Smile.
Chris’s partner Tim explained that Chris had received a bursary to train at ArtsEd, a small grant that had a big impact on his life and all those he went on to meet. The Chris Hornby Fund has been set up as a lasting legacy that will help talented students at ArtsEd facing financial hardship. Attendees of the memorial showed exceptional support for the fund, resulting in an incredible £3,261 being donated on the day and a further £3,700 online.
We are all extremely grateful for the generosity of Chris’s family and friends.
If you would like to support the Chris Hornby Fund please visit the justgiving page.
Photograph: Ken McKay