All-star West End cast heads concert of songs from the shows to raise money for charity set up in memory of young actor

An all-star West End cast will take centre stage in a charity concert to celebrate the legacy of a young Derbyshire performer – in the theatre where his passion for acting began.

A Musical Theatre Spectacular at Derby Theatre on May 3, 2026, will include performances by Carolyn Maitland who has starred in Legally Blonde and Mamma Mia! and Luke McCall who has had leading roles in The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables.

Lewis Sewell was a talented teenager whose passion for acting began at Derby Theatre (photo: Gillian Sewell)

placeholder image — Lewis Sewell was a talented teenager whose passion for acting began at Derby Theatre (photo: Gillian Sewell)

Talented young pupils from Embark Foundation and Kristian Thomas Company will also be part of the fundraising concert in aid of The Lewis Sewell Memorial Trust.

The small grant-making charity was created to honour the final wishes of Lewis James Sewell, who performed for a decade with Derby Youth Theatre. Lewis was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2019 and while in hospital he dreamed of creating a lasting legacy that would support aspiring young actors and performers as they begin their journey into the industry. An extraordinary young man, Lewis was just 18 years old when he died in 2020.

Carolyn Maitland's credits include Next to Normal, Rags, Annie, The World Goes Round, The Woman in White, Ghost, Miss Saigon, Groundhog Day, Singin’ in the Rain, Kiss Me, Kate, Cabaret, FromHere to Eternity, Legally Blonde, Jekyll & Hyde, Fame, Mamma Mia!

All proceeds from A Musical Theatre Spectacular will go directly to the memorial trust, helping provide essential opportunities, training and financial support for young people pursuing careers in the performing arts.

This is the third year of the fundraising concert – but the first time to be hosted by Derby Theatre.

Gillian Sewell, Lewis’s mother, said: “It will be an emotional night as this was his home theatre and where his heart was.

“Lewis’s connection to the theatre ran deep. From a young age, he was determined to be part of it - encouraging his family to sign him up for Derby Youth Theatre before he was even old enough to join. He completed work experience there and became a familiar face both on stage and behind the scenes.

Luke McCall's credits include The Phantom of the Opera (The Phantom), Love Never Dies International Tour (The Phantom), Les Misérables, Titanic, The Man of La Mancha.

“He lived his life at Derby Theatre - rehearsing, performing, helping others or volunteering. He felt he had found his tribe there, with many of his closest friends coming from the theatre. This was where his dreams began.

“We’re so grateful to our West End producer Mark Robert Petty, without whom these shows simply wouldn’t happen or bring together such incredible talent.”

Mark Petty, producer of the concert, said: “I’m delighted to bring this special musical theatre concert to Derby Theatre, showcasing outstanding West End performers alongside talented young artists from our local community. The Lewis Sewell Memorial Trust does incredible work supporting the next generation of performers, and it’s a privilege for this event to help continue Lewis’s legacy while celebrating the magic of musical theatre.”

Standard tickets £37, premium tickets £67, available from www.derbytheatre.co.uk or call 01332 593939.