The Helen Donohue School of Speech and Drama

15/09/2026

Today I was able to transfer our generous crowdfunding in memory of Billie-Jo McKenna to her family. As a school we raised an amazing £1279.42 for her beloved children Bobbie & Bleu. Their grandma Denise has asked me to thank you all for the generous support but also for your kindness. She is going to use this money to help the children through their first Christmas without their beautiful Mummy.
I would like to thank each and every one of you who donated in memory of our very much loved Billie-Jo. 🙏💜

08/09/2026

We will be performing a very special commemorative show on Friday, on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11, followed by a Q&A after the show with the creative team and the cast. I feel honoured to be part of this piece of theatre remembering all those who lost their lives but also the people who showed such kindest, generosity and compassion in the face of such tragedy. 🙏 ❤️

Coming to see COME FROM AWAY this week or next?

Here is everything you need to know!

🌎 Evening performances begin at 8pm and matinees on Saturday 12th and Saturday 19th begin at 3pm. Our performance on Sunday 13th September begins at 4pm.

🌎 The production runs for 1 hour and 45 minutes with NO interval.

🌎 Latecomers, and patrons who leave the auditorium during the performance, will have to wait for a suitable moment to be readmitted.

🌎 The performance on Friday 11th September will act as a commemorative performance to mark the 25th Anniversary of 9/11, and will include a post show discussion and Q&A with the Cast and Creative Team. There will be a 10 minute interval between the end of the performance and the discussion. A handful of tickets left for this performance.

🌎 “The Old Stage Door” Theatre Bar will be open for one hour before each performance, and will remain open after the show too.

🌎 In the true spirit of Gander, we want the generosity on stage to extend far beyond the curtain call.

Inspired by the way an entire town opened its arms to strangers with nothing to give in return, we're running our own Pay It Forward campaign throughout the run. We're inviting every member of our audience to bring a donation of non-perishable food, toiletries, or everyday essentials when they come to see the show, and to drop it at one of our foyer collection points.

Everything donated goes directly to Trafford North and Trafford South food banks, supporting people in our own community. We're especially in need of:

• Toiletries: shampoo, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, sanitary towels, toilet roll

• Tinned food: meat, vegetables

• Store cupboard essentials: sugar, noodles, coffee, cordial

You don't need to donate to see the show (or see the show to make a donation!) — a single item really makes a difference. It's a simple, tangible way to turn empathy into direct, local action, and to honour the legacy of Gander every single night of the run.

Bring your donation with you any time you visit us to see Come From Away, 10th–19th September.

Thank you for your support and your generosity.

🌎 You can still get tickets, but be quick!! ⬇️

🎟️ - https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/shows/come

WE CANNOT WAIT TO SHARE THIS INCREDIBLE TRUE STORY WITH YOU ALL!

05/09/2026

03/09/2026

We open a week today! 😳
Please come and support this show. We’ve put our hearts and souls into it and it’s such a beautiful, important piece of theatre. 🇨🇦🙏

19/08/2026

THANK YOU to those families and friends of our school who have already donated in memory of Billie-Jo. 🤍 🙏

If anyone would still like to help her children, Bobbie and Bleu, please find our crowdfunding page below.

Any donation could make a real difference to these children.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity. 🙏🤍

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/6Wk7X3kW?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink

19/08/2026

THANK YOU to those families and friends of our school who have already donated in memory of Billie-Jo. 🤍 🙏

If anyone would still like to help her children, Bobbie and Bleu, please find our crowdfunding page below.

Any donation could make a real difference to these children.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity. 🙏🤍

To raise money for Billie-Jo's beautiful children, Bobbie and Bleu, in her memory.