Cast and crew of Corby Amateur Theatrical Society (CATS) will dedicate their latest show High School Muscial Juniors to Ella Walden, one of their 'beloved' members, who died this year.

Ella, 13, who tragically lost her life in April following an incident in the town's Elizabeth Street involving an e-bike, was a keen member of CATS.

She had already been cast in the CATS summer show and her friends at the group want to mark Ella’s life with their latest show to be performed in her memory.

Volunteers will be taking a bucket collection at each performance to raise funds for the Never Alone Project, a bereavement charity close to the hearts of Ella's family that works in Northamptonshire helping people through grief.

Ella Walden will be remembered by her friends at the CATS performance of High School Musical Junior/ UGC

placeholder image — Ella Walden will be remembered by her friends at the CATS performance of High School Musical Junior/ UGC

Family of Corby girl, 13, pay tribute to ‘amazing, strong-willed, feisty’ Ella

A CATS spokesman said: “In April we sadly lost a beloved CATS member, Ella Walden. As we perform High School Musical we want to commemorate Ella and will be dedicating each show to her.

"Ella had been a part of CATS for three productions appearing in Legally Blonde last summer as the shop manager and Whitney and in our most recent pantomime, Rapunzel, in January 2026.

"She was also cast as Susan and a featured dancer in our forthcoming production, High School Musical Juniors.

CATS - rehearsals for High School Musical Juniors/CATS

"Our wonderful cast, aged from 11 to 18, have worked incredibly hard rehearsing for this show and have formed a very special bond following the tragic loss of their friend and fellow cast member.

"Our youth leaders have helped the young people navigate their grief and be able to express their thoughts through crafting, talking about Ella all the time and making rehearsals fun.

"One special tradition is we celebrate Ella at the end of each session with an uplifting song which everyone joins in with, both young people and volunteer helpers.”

Ella's friends and fellow cast members described her as a ‘funny and beautiful girl, inside and out’ saying they ‘miss her so much, she was one of us’.

The spokesman added: “CATS would be delighted for everyone to come along to this great musical, it's a story of following dreams, taking risks, challenging stereotypes and supporting friends.”

High School Musical Juniors is being performed at the Core Theatre, Corby on July 18 at 7.30pm and Sunday, July 19 at 1pm and 5pm. Tickets are £16 each, available from the box office https://tickets.thecorecorby.com/102485/102486

CATS formed back in 1962, performing in the Corby theatre twice a year. Next year they celebrate their 65th year.

For more information go to https://www.corby-cats.co.uk/contact-us.