Abby's Heroes will benefit from Roynon's A Whole New World

Up to 250 students of all ages and abilities from Roynon Performing Arts in Swanmore are rehearsing for A Whole New World, which will take place at The Berry Theatre in Hedge End in June.

The show will give a welcome boost to Abby's Heroes, which supports children and their families who come under the care of the Piam Brown and the Teenagers and Young Adults (TYA) wards at Southampton in memory of former Roynon dancer Abby Randall.

Previous shows, which take place every other year, have raised up to £4,000 for the charity. This summer's show is hotly anticipated after being postponed in 2021 due to Covid restrictions.

Roynon Performing Arts are a dedicated, passionate creative arts school established for over 40 years and delivering over 60 classes a week in dance, music and drama to over 250 students of all ages and abilities. This includes their affiliated band Swan Samba and other bolt-on companies.

From ballet to tap, vocal coaching through to samba drumming, Roynon have supported and nurtured thousands of students over the years and have something on offer for everyone.

Abby was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer, in 2013 aged 8 years and 10 months. In May 2014, Abby was officially declared in remission and spent six carefree months getting back to school and back to her beloved dancing. The day after Christmas that year, Abby’s cancer returned. Despite a truly awe-inspiring fight she lost her battle on May 29th 2016.

Abby loved to dance and her teacher described her as “a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.” She was a joy to be around. She had seemingly unending energy and exuded a real joy for life.

The latest show in her honour will take place on Saturday June 25 and Sunday June 26.

Tickets for A Whole New World are priced £12 or £10 for concessions.