19.12.2024
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.
Make a Donation to The Chris Hornby Bursary Fund
A statement from Tim English:
“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.Lots of love,
Tim English”
