Audiences were absolutely wowed by the Pepper Foundation’s 20th Anniversary Summer Show recently, which is predicted to have raised in excess of £40,000 for the charity.

For the past two decades this fantastic musical event has entertained residents of Berkhamsted and throughout Dacorum with this year being no exception.

Pepper Rock Legends, was a celebration of all the previous Pepper shows, featuring the best songs, anthems and performances for a stunning reprise of the best of 20 years. It was Berkhamsted’s biggest and best live musical extravaganza featuring music performed by local performers, rock musicians and children from Pepper Youth, many of whom over the years after leaving school, have taken up music or the stage as their chosen profession as a result of being given the chance to perform at the Pepper Summer Show.

From the music of Abba and Bon Jovi to Elton John, Tom Jones and Queen, budding stars performed a collection of songs from the previous 19 shows in perfect harmony to virtually sell-out audiences.

Huge video screens were placed either side of the stage set at the Centenary Theatre, Berkhamsted Collegiate School, allowing audiences to capture close-ups of the singers, musicians and talented dancers performing their numbers. The screens complemented the exceptional stage design created and built as ever by Paul Lunnon and his dedicated team of helpers. We understand the immaculate and professional sound and lighting, far surpassed even the recent ‘Guns & Roses’ concert.

Pepper founder Robert Breakwell said, “We’ve had a great time working on the 20th Sgt Pepper Show and I’m glad that the sell out audiences enjoyed our recreation of some of the musical highlights from the last 2 decades. The cast and crew have all worked really hard and it’s been a pleasure to work with such a talented and committed bunch of people. For me as one of Pepper’s founders, our 20th show was very nostalgic and special. I feel that the Beatles’ inspirational Sgt Pepper album helped us to capture some magical moments in the performances this year.”

Event Chairman, John Watts, said, “It’s too early to be sure, but we’re very optimistic about achieving our target of raising £40,000 for the Pepper Nurses. It was great that we had a virtual sell out this year and this has really helped.”
In addition to the show, ticket holders enjoyed a very popular bar, excellent food and live music, in the support Marquee, presented by great local bands both before and after all performances. There was also a Raffle, Silent Auction and Tombola offering some very attractive prizes.

1989 saw Berkhamsted’s first performance of the Sgt. Pepper album inspired by Karen Breakwell who had the original idea to perform the album to raise funds for local charities, but who died of cancer before her dream was realised. The first performance organised by her husband, Robert, took place in July 1989, exactly one year after her death at the age of 30.

The Sgt Pepper concerts have become a local fixture in the July event diary at Berkhamsted Collegiate School who very kindly donate their facilities to Pepper free of charge, attracting large audiences and raising huge sums of money for the charity.
All previous shows and the latest Pepper Rock Legends have been organised entirely by unpaid volunteers who have dedicated all their spare time and in some case holidays, to ensure each show surpasses the others.

Individuals, performers, contributors and suppliers read like a Who’s Who of local talent. Unfortunately they are too numerous to list in just 8 pages of an A4 newsletter, but enough for them to know how important their contribution has been to the Pepper Foundation under the enthusiastic and professional direction of John Watts and his show management team,

This years show will be a very hard act to follow next year which is why we need your help now while this year’s success is still fresh in your minds. If you are interested in becoming part of the team by offering us your services, please register your interest by contacting Karen Buchanan our Administration Manager on 0845 6755566 or by email to <karen@peppershow.com> .

In the words of Robert Breakwell, in his emotional letter of appreciation to all the cast and helpers of this year’s show and those who gave so much over the past twenty years to share the journey with him – ‘And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make’.

Please join us and be an inspiration to others.