A DRAMA group will make its long-awaited bow tomorrow when the curtain rises on a poignant tribute at The Petersfield School.

Members of the performing arts group at Fitzroy OnTrack have dedicated The Show Must Go On to Judy Wright.

Judy was a hugely popular seamstress and costume maker who volunteered with the group for well over a decade. The ‘kingpin’ from Hayling died two years ago from cancer with Covid depriving her of seeing a final OnTrack production.

Judy will be with the group in spirit tomorrow when they take to the TPS Studio stage. They want to put on a grand show for an “absolute idol who always went above and beyond” for her friends at the Hylton Road charity.

“When she started out with the drama group she was first doing little things but they got bigger and bigger,” said Erika Wassertheurer.

“The costumes got more extravagant and the wow factor got bigger. Then a few years ago there was one costume she wanted to get finished, but didn’t tell us how ill she was.

“She finished it and then went into hospital, and a little while later she passed away.”

Erica added: “It had such a major impact on all of us but we want to do this show as a tribute to her.”

Fitzroy OnTrack provides day and community support for people with learning disabilities and autism. More than a dozen users have spent months rehearsing and perfecting their dance and musical routines for tomorrow’s show and can’t wait to show off their moves.

Many of Judy’s costumes will be showcased in the production while a percentage of ticket sales will go to Cancer Research. Tickets for The Show Must Go On: A Tribute to Judy are £8 for adults and £5 for children.

Doors open at 6.30pm with the performance starting 30 minutes later, for more details or tickets contact Ontrack on 01730 711090.