Wolverhampton Theatre Enthusiast Undertakes Acts of Kindness in Friend’s Memory

A theatre enthusiast hailing from Wolverhampton has initiated an endeavor to perform charitable acts, commemorating a friend who passed away in 2023. Lydia Greatrix, known by her alias “Theatrical Lydia,” is presently accompanying the UK tour of the musical “Come From Away,” intending to execute benevolent gestures at various locations throughout the tour. Ms. Greatrix and her friend Laura had planned to undertake this tour jointly. However, following Laura’s demise, Ms. Greatrix resolved to fulfill the mission as a tribute to her memory. Since then, she has traversed the country, establishing food bank collections, arranging litter and beach clean-ups, purchasing provisions for a primary school, and contributing to animal shelters. For the Wolverhampton segment of the production, she has collaborated with the Grand Theatre to aid the Good Shepherd charity. Ms. Greatrix, aged 25, who resides in Colchester, commenced her tour in Leicester in March. Nevertheless, the current stop on the tour holds particular significance for her. She stated, “Having been born in Wolverhampton and grown up in Hinstock in North Shropshire, I’m really excited to see the tour ‘come home’ to the city.” She added, “I have heard all about the vitally important work the Good Shepherd delivers via its range of food and different support services.” Furthermore, she remarked, “I am sure theatregoers attending Come from Away will be keen to show their support and ‘pay it forward’, to help people experiencing difficult times within the city.” “Come From Away” recounts the factual narrative of how inhabitants of Newfoundland, Canada, extended compassion to 7,000 airline passengers who were left stranded after the closure of US airspace subsequent to the 9/11 attacks. Ms. Greatrix indicated that this narrative motivated both her and her friend to follow the production and undertake their own acts of benevolence. Attendees of the Wolverhampton performances of “Come From Away” are encouraged to contribute donations of new socks and underwear, which will then be conveyed to the charity. Individuals are also welcome to provide monetary contributions to the charity. For updates, follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.