16/05/2024
Press release 2024
In the autumn term of 2022, Annabel Greenhalgh started Grammar school, nervous but excited for her new chapter. But to the horror of her family and friends, Annabel sadly died suddenly and completely unexpectedly. She was just 11 years old.
During her eleven years, Annabel explored the world with her loving parents, and enjoyed dancing, singing, acting, reading, writing, and drawing. She had firm friendships and was loved by all who knew her. She was a truly special girl.
Annabel’s passing shocked the whole community and beyond. Local performance artist Amelia Fewtrill who had known Annabel and her parents, was struck by the immense loss and the grief of her parents, "I wanted to honour Annabel in the best way I knew how, which was through performance arts". This led to the creation of the community theatre company, Raise the Roof Theatre Co. Raise the Roof Theatre Company is dedicated to raising money for Birmingham Children's Hospital, in memory of Annabel.
The first production was a play written for Annabel called A Doorway To The Stars. Amelia explained, "The play was about life, love, family, and loss. I didn't want to shy away from death as I wanted to use the opportunity to help the community to explore and share their grief.” The show was a huge success and raised more than £6,000 for charity.
This year Amelia Fewtrill, Creative and Artistic Director, has written a pantomime based on the fairytale The Elves and the Shoemaker. Raise the Roof Theatre Company has very excitingly teamed up with Warwick Castle to perform the show over two nights, on 6th and 7th November, in the prestigious Great Hall at Warwick Castle. This is such an amazing event and a sight not seen since the old Earls of Warwick had theatrical pageantry and minstrels to entertain them and their privileged guests.
Local solicitors, Blithe Liggins, are again sponsoring the production. “We are hoping this year will be another huge success, celebrating Annabel’s legacy and honouring her memory.”
Raise the Roof Theatre Company offers children and adults the opportunity to work with professionals and be part of a fantastic theatre production at Warwick Castle. Theatre clubs are often a big financial and time commitment. Raise the Roof is achievable and open to all. Auditions are being held throughout May, with just 7 days rehearsal commitment.
Amelia explained, “This year we are delighted to have one of Annabel’s best friends who moved to Finland with her family and was unable to attend the funeral. Jess will be staring as the fairy in the show, using her new skill of speaking Finnish to open the show. Jess said, "To be able to do this for Annabel when I couldn't say goodbye and tell her how much I love her is so special. I'm so excited to try performing for the first time at an amazing venue". Jess will be learning her part using an intensive acting tutorial provided by Amelia over the Internet.
We will honour and remember Annabel in the best way possible, giving and sharing happiness, skills and memories
To be involved in this amazing project please do not hesitate….
Tickets are available from:…
