Following our production of the devised showcase Love Alters Not, we were joined by Trustee Louise Devonshire Mander who delivered this speech in honour of the performers and creatives who brought together these wonderful performances.
“Tonight, I have the immense honour of standing before a group of remarkable young artists—actors, creators, dreamers, and doers—who have done something truly special.
“You didn’t just put on a performance. You crafted a story, from the ground up. You devised, collaborated, risked, and revealed. You poured yourselves into every moment, and the result was nothing short of powerful. What you shared with your audience wasn’t just a show—it was a piece of yourselves. And that kind of courage? That kind of vulnerability? That kind of magic? That’s what theatre is all about.
“At Sharnbrook Mill Theatre, we are incredibly proud of you—not just because your piece was a success (and oh yes, it was), but because of the way you achieved it. You worked together. You listened to each other. You dared to explore, to imagine, to push past the safe and the expected.
“You showed us that creativity thrives not in isolation, but in community.
“What you’ve done here is more than just perform—you’ve become a part of something bigger. You’ve stepped into a tradition that stretches back centuries and pushed it forward with your own voice. That’s no small thing.
“So, let this success be a stepping stone. Let it fuel you. Because your voices are needed. Your stories matter. And this—this is just the beginning. Remember: the stage will always be a home for the brave, for the bold, and for the curious. And you, each one of you, are all three.
“From all of us here at Sharnbrook Mill Theatre: thank you. Thank you for reminding us why we do this. And never stop creating. The world is waiting. Take a bow—you’ve earned it.”
