Show in memory of inspirational Littlehampton teacher

Students at The Sherry Lorraine Stage School, based at the Dairy Community Centre, in Church Street, will be hosting a tribute show in memory of the group’s founder, who passed away last year.

Sherry Wading – who was better known by her stage name, Sherry Lorraine – died in October, last year, at St Barnabas House hospice in Worthing, following a courageous five-year battle against cancer.

Now, members at her dance school will be holding a summer variety “spectacular” at the Windmill Entertainment Centre, from Wednesday, next week.

Assistant teacher Hayley Wood, 25, has been with the school since she was four. She said: “The students have worked so hard to make this year’s show one that Sherry would be proud of. Over the last 30 years she has inspired so many of them to go out and achieve their ambitions.”

The show will feature an up-beat medley of dance routines and songs, from movie classics like Chicago and Anything Goes to more modern tunes from animated comedy Shrek.

The performance will finish with a stunning acrobatic finale before a tribute speech is made by members from the stage school.

Hayley said that during Sherry’s career, her shows helped to raise an estimated £25,000 to various charities, adding that this year would be no exception.

Proceeds from the event would be shared between The Dogs Trust, Cancer Research and St Barnabas House hospice.

Hayley added: “Sherry was an inspirational lady, she taught you much more than to dance, she taught you to believe in yourself. She would never give up on us and would always say ‘there is no such word as can’t, now try it again’.”

Curtains open on Wednesday, (July 25), with performances taking place every evening until Saturday, July 28.

Doors open at 7pm with curtain up at 7.30pm. Tickets are £8.50 per person and are available at the Windmill Theatre box office, on 01903 722224.