Last night (Thursday 2nd October), our incredible governance family came together for a truly unforgettable evening at the 400 Hall Theatre, Repton School. The Embark Governor Celebration Concert – Songs from the West End! was a complete sell-out, and it provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate and thank the governors, trustees, and school leaders whose dedication and support make such a difference to our schools and young people every day.
The evening was nothing short of magical, with world-class performances from some of the brightest stars in musical theatre, including:
Djalenga Scott – renowned for her role as Velma Kelly in Chicago and countless West End performances.
Jordan Lee Davies – dazzling as Mary Sunshine in Chicago, with past roles in Les Misérables and Bat Out of Hell.
Tamara Morgan – star of Six and currently thrilling audiences in Hamilton on the West End.
Tom Hopcroft – fresh from a phenomenal two-year run in Sister Act.
Adding to the excitement, our very own Embark Choir of talented young people lit up the stage with their energy, passion, and extraordinary talent. Their performance perfectly captured the heart of our Trust: young people thriving, supported, and celebrated.
The atmosphere was electric. Governors, trustees, Headteachers, and school leaders from across our schools came together to enjoy an evening of music, connection, and celebration. Guests were welcomed with arrival drinks and nibbles, setting the tone for a night of warmth, joy, and appreciation.
We were thrilled to welcome some very special guests in the audience, including Liz Fothergill, Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, and Professor Keith McLay, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby, along with members of his team. Their presence made the evening even more memorable and added to the sense of occasion. A huge, huge thank you to Repton School for everything they did to make the night possible – we couldn’t have done it without you! Special thanks go to Richard, Anna Parish and Gemma Ritchie from Repton School for their incredible support. We are also immensely grateful to The Kristian Thomas Company for helping us bring such amazing West End performers to the stage – your connections and expertise made this extraordinary evening a reality.
But this evening was about far more than entertainment. It was a heartfelt celebration of the vital role of our governance family. Their expertise, guidance, and unwavering commitment are the foundation of the success of our schools. This concert was our way of saying a sincere thank you for everything they do to shape the lives of the young people across Embark.
We are profoundly grateful to every member of our governance family. Your time, dedication, and support are invaluable, and last night was a small way to recognise the enormous impact you have every single day.
Last night was a celebration of excellence, dedication, and community – a shining reminder of what can be achieved when we come together as one Embark family. It was a night filled with joy, inspiration, and heartfelt gratitude, perfectly reflecting the incredible impact of our collective efforts.
