A WEST END CELEBRATION AT REPTON
Repton School was proud to host an unforgettable evening of music, community, and charitable spirit as the 400 Hall Theatre welcomed the return of The Lewis Sewell Memorial Concert. In partnership with acclaimed producer Mark Robert Petty and the Lewis Sewell Memorial Trust, the concert brought the magic of the West End to Derbyshire in support of young people aspiring to enter the performing arts industry.
The concert was staged in honour of Lewis Sewell, a young man whose final wish was to create a legacy that would help others follow their dreams in theatre and performance. The Lewis Sewell Memorial Trust was established to do just that by offering grants and support to young performers across the UK. Repton is proud to have developed a strong connection with the Trust through the hosting of this event and meaningful involvement in its wider mission.
This year’s concert featured a spectacular line-up of West End stars, including Kris Manuel (Phantom of the Opera), Alex Lodge (The Book of Mormon, Titanic), Rosa O’Reilly (Les Misérables, Wicked), Laura Pick (Wicked), Manon Taris (Love Never Dies), and Chris Weeks (The Rat Pack, Buddy). Musical direction was provided by the talented Tom Arnold.
Alongside the professional performers, pupils from Repton School, the Embark Federation and the Kristian Thomas Company, as well as members of the Got 2 Sing Choir, lit up the stage with musical theatre favourites from Hamilton, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, We Will Rock You and more. The collaborative nature of the concert perfectly reflected the spirit of community that Lewis so strongly embodied.
Repton School’s Actor in Residence, Hannah Oseman, prepared pupils for their performances and also serves as a Trustee of the Lewis Sewell Memorial Trust: “I was delighted to work with a group of ten Reptonians to prepare the opening number, ‘Like Breathing’, from the musical Edges. They also performed a beautiful rendition of ‘Edelweiss’ alongside primary school pupils from the Embark Federation.
We closed the evening with an uplifting performance of ‘The Time of My Life’ from Dirty Dancing, inviting the audience to celebrate with us. It was a privilege to be part of such a meaningful event, which continues to honour Lewis’s legacy and inspire the next generation of performers.”
With ticket sales raising around £8,000, and all bar proceeds also donated to the Trust, the night was a true celebration of theatre and a powerful act of fundraising. Repton was proud to offer the 400 Hall Theatre in support of the cause, a gesture that reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to charitable partnerships and community outreach.
Musical Theatre is flourishing at Repton, and this concert – blending West End excellence with pupil talent and meaningful charity work – truly showcased the school's passion for the arts and its values of service and collaboration.