Remembering Sophie Towle: A Lasting Memory in our Theatre Royal
Today the family of Sophie Towle honour her 23rd birthday with a heartfelt tribute by dedicating a seat in her memory at the Theatre Royal Nottingham. Sophie’s name will grace seat J10 in the stalls for 25 years – a fitting mark in a place that brought her immense joy. The plaque stands as a testament to Sophie’s passion for theatre, inscribed with the words: “Sophie Towle, 2001 – 2024. Forever in her happy place”
Here are some of the wonderful memories of Sophie’s love of theatre that her family have shared with us.
Sophie was very passionate about the Theatre and loved to come to see many shows. Her interest in theatre started at a young age. She joined a drama group called Dazzle at the age of 5 and then went on to the Pauline Quirke Academy at 15 where she performed on stage at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London. Amongst the many memories, Sophie sang with G4 at Nottingham Cathedral and took part in Elf the Musical at the Nottingham Arena which she really enjoyed.
Sophie chose to do her work experience at Nottingham Playhouse which sparked her interest in backstage work. She went on to Bilborough College where she did a BTEC in Performing Arts and where she would often take on the role of assistant stage manager in college performances. She went on to Rose Bruford College in Kent but had to leave within a year due to declining mental health problems.
Sophie had a particular love for Musical Theatre, and she saw Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and Hamilton in London’s West End for her 18th birthday. Sophie and her mum, Leisa, would often come to the Theatre Royal, Nottingham where they enjoyed many more shows over the years. Sophie introduced her mum to many other shows which they both grew to love including Heathers the Musical which they saw twice, and SIX The Musical which they saw three times with it being a firm favourite. They also came to see and really enjoyed Waitress.
Sophie and her mum Leisa returned to London to revisit Hamilton and to see Dear Evan Hansen on its last day in the West End. Last October, they went to the Musical Con and a particular highlight was a dance class and a meet and greet with Layton Williams. Sophie also enjoyed a workshop about puppetry and seeing Sven from Frozen and Zazu from The Lion King.
Sophie also took part in the Nottinghamshire Gang Show at the Theatre Royal in 2015, 2017 and 2019. The people she met became her Gang Show family. When the show returned after Covid, she was unable to commit to the rehearsals, so instead she helped with the Junior Gang and was part of the backstage crew which she absolutely loved.
The theatre was her happy place, it was where she came alive.
Sophie’s family have set up a donation page supporting Mind and the RSPCA, in her memory as these charities meant a great deal to her.
