A theatre team has dedicated a show to its talented choreographer who died suddenly while abroad.
Rugby Theatre’s Vicki-Jo was a month into choreographing the all-singing, all-dancing production of Hairspray when she died suddenly of a heart attack on March 31, aged just 41.
We’ve all had a tough time coping with losing Vicki-Jo
Director Bryan Jones
Vicki-Jo was part of the three-strong creative team which started work on the blockbuster musical, holding auditions in October last year.
Director Bryan Jones said: “The show will be wonderful - but it’s not the show we wanted audiences to see.
“We wanted them to see a show choreographed by the brilliant, beautiful and talented Vicki-Jo.
“We’re all so sad she hasn’t been there, iPad in hand, driving us all on with her amazing dances.”
Speaking shortly after Vicki-Jo’s death, Bryan said: “It’s hard to explain what a massive impact Vicki-Jo has had on so many people’s lives.
“At Rugby Theatre, she set the bar very, very high in terms of dance. She had a unique way of getting the best out of large groups of people on stage - including many who had no dance experience at all.”
Choreography for the show has been taken over by Jo Walker and Ellie Michael, two of Vicki-Jo’s teachers at CATS, the Christine Anderson Theatre School where she was principal.
Bryan added: “We’ve all had a tough time coping with losing Vicki-Jo.
“It’s been especially hard for Jo and Ellie and other members of the CATS family - but we’ve battled through.”
Hairspray will be performed at Rugby Theatre from June 6 to 13.
