Biography musical celebrates life of FitzRoy founder
The Elizabeth FitzRoy Story, performed at The Studio@TPS Nov 2012
A dramatic production about the life of Elizabeth FitzRoy, founder of the Petersfield-based charity for adults with learning disabilities has raised over £500.
Held at The Studio at The Petersfield School in November, the show attracted an audience of 80.
The performance used narration, image and songs to tell the story of Elizabeth FitzRoy, who founded FitzRoy 50 years ago. Her early life was based around a passion for theatre – hence the dramatic tribute – but changed when she adopted Michael, who had Down’s Syndrome and became active in the struggle for improved care for people with disabilities.
The Elizabeth FitzRoy story show was produced by FitzRoy’s Volunteer Coordinator, Jim Apted, who developed the script using letters, historical documents and anecdotes from Elizabeth’s contemporaries.
“It is an inspiring story about a remarkable friendship, and a mother’s love for her disabled son that fired an ambition to change the lives of people with learning disabilities” said Jim.
The clever rendition of Elizabeth’s life included pictures, poems and the songs of Stephen Sondheim, presented by a cast of professional actors including Susan Franklyn, Lisa Bowerman and Angus Kennedy, as well as enthusiastic amateurs and FitzRoy’s On Track drama group who provided the closing number.
Funds raised will go support On Track day and community service, based at the charity’s Hylton Road site.
Elizabeth FitzRoy founded the charity now known as FitzRoy in 1962 with a single home in Grayshott, near Hindhead. Over the past 50 years FitzRoy has grown to support more than 600 adults in 59 locations across England.
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