September 2022
The first year of the Lewis Sewell Memorial Trust
The LSMT had an excellent first year being established to grant Lewis’ final wishes to financially assist young people aspiring to enter the performing arts industry at a tertiary level. The grants were awarded against a series of criteria that Lewis himself defined before he passed away. The Trust – a registered charity – has developed strong working partnerships with Midlands theatres, Bilborough College, and drama training institutions such as the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (CSSD). Four awards were made during the first year and a scholarship was established at CSSD for 2022/2023. The Trust was delighted to welcome Dame Arlene Phillips as the patron of the charity and Sabrina Alouche and Cleve September from the West End as trustees. This helped the charity to extend its links to the Arts Industry. The Trust also collaborated with YMCA England and Wales to award the first YMCA Lewis Sewell Award to a young woman as part of the YMCA Youth Matters Awards. This has now been established as an annual event. Fundraising has been a key activity with funds being received from a reputable benefactor and several sponsored events being undertaken by family and friends. Lewis’ chaplain and family friends; Fr Joe Wheat and Denis McCarthy organized a sponsored walk between the Midlands theatres and Lewis’ college. Ali Buck from Fitness Formula ran the Manchester Marathon. The Trust is planning to hold a West End show to celebrate Lewis’ 21st birthday and unveil a plaque in his honor at St Paul’s Actors Church Covent Garden.
April 2023
For Good – Did you know…? A Musical Theatre Benefit Concert – 22nd April 2023
Family, friends, and supporters of the Lewis Sewell Memorial Trust gathered at St Paul’s Actors Church in Covent Garden to celebrate Lewis’ Life and to unveil a plaque in his name.
During the evening, they were treated to a selection of songs from some of Lewis’ favorite musicals performed by an all-star West End Cast. This was mixed with readings and speeches that told Lewis’ story.
The evening also provided the opportunity for young people to showcase their talents. This included ensembles from Laine Theatre Arts and the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama who were joined by representatives from Bilborough College, Curve Theatre and past beneficiaries of Lewis’ Trust. The first recipient of Lewis’ scholarship at Royal Central was also present.
The concert expertly produced by Mark Robert Petty was an emotional rollercoaster as we relived Lewis’ Story. The audience was dancing in the aisles courtesy of the ‘Mamma Mia’ medley.
The final word was provided by Lewis himself as he was welcomed home to the West End by the unveiling of a plaque.
Following a video montage, he was given a standing ovation. A wonderful conclusion to a brilliant night.
June 2024
A Musical Theatre Spectacular – Bringing the West End to Derbyshire – 14th June 2024
The Lewis Sewell Memorial Trust held its annual fundraising concert at Repton School. Expertly produced by good friend of the Trust – Mark Robert Petty, with musical direction by Tom Arnold, we welcomed six West End stars who performed songs from a varied selection of musicals. The evening provided the opportunity for young people to showcase their talents as we were joined by ensembles from Repton School and schools from the Embark Federation.We also had performances from the Got 2 Sing choir and KTCo Theatre company.Highlights of the evening included Luke Suri’s rendition of Frankie Valli’s ‘Can’t take my eyes off you’ that led the audience in a singalong and Eddie Elliot’s comedic performance of ‘I am what I am’ having raided the costume department.The evening concluded with an all-cast performance of ‘I sing the body electric’The Trust would like to thank; Repton School for the fabulous facilities and to Embark Federation for assisting in the organization of the concert. We look forward to this becoming an annual event.