JUNE 2026

Hello everyone and welcome to summer, although June in Devon has arrived with cool and showery weather leaving behind a remarkably hot and sunny May!

April and May have been quiet months for THF, but we are delighted to bring you news of a brilliant new play, Sherwood the Musical written by gifted teacher Flo Witcombe from Orchard Manor School, Dawlish.  Trustees Annie and Roger Kirk were privileged to see this play performed by students at this highly-rated special school with its focus on Autism, complex communication and interaction difficulties, and associated learning needs.  

Here is the school’s press release for Sherwood the Musical:

“Orchard Manor School have done it again ! Another fabulous summer production starring pupils from across the school, coming together to share their modern musical take on the story of Robin Hood. 

'Sherwood the Musical" – set in a Hunger Games style landscape - tells the plight suffered by the people of District 10, formerly known as Sherwood. It was a huge success, with audience members blown away by the performances of students ranging from 6 to 16 years of age.

The production was a thought-provoking adaptation of the famous folk tale, which saw Robin and his friends facing homelessness when the ruthless President John King announces he is to cut down Sherwood Forest in order to begin fracking.

Topical themes, catchy songs, dance routines and fantastic performances from each and every member of this cast of over 60 pupils...What more could you ask for in a musical?

Shout out to Dom Jefferies of TRUE LX , who did an incredible job on lighting and sound, bringing the whole production to life."

A special thank you from the school also to The Helen Foundation’s Ella Philp Fund which kindly donated £600, which went towards paying for Dom’s expertise and making the whole thing very professional looking. We are very grateful to THF/EPF who kindly offer grants to local schools in order for them to raise the profile of Musical Theatre, something Ella was very passionate about."

For more info : www.thehelenfoundation.org.uk/post/the-ella-philp-fund

Roger and Annie comment: 

“The performance of the young people across the age range was so impressive and we wish the school every success in the future with its productions, which are really important to the whole school community. Their enthusiasm is so infectious!”