A performer who first discovered her love of the stage in local productions in Devizes is set to appear alongside international star Jason Donovan at this summer’s Fulltone Festival.
Grace Sheridan will join Donovan during his headline performance with The Fulltone Orchestra when the festival returns to Park Farm on 11 and 12 July.
For Grace, the appearance marks another milestone in a career that began close to home, performing in community productions in Devizes as a child before going on to train professionally in Musical Theatre.
Those early experiences inspired her to pursue a career in the performing arts and, since graduating from drama school, she has built an impressive portfolio of professional work. Her credits include appearances in a West End pantomime as well as touring productions across the UK and overseas.
Alongside her theatre career, Grace has become a familiar face to audiences through her work with Lewes Music Group, performing featured roles in live productions celebrating a wide range of artists and musical genres.
Her performances have included shows dedicated to Fleetwood Mac, ABBA, country music, disco classics and acoustic favourites, with her portrayal of Stevie Nicks proving particularly popular with audiences.
Festival-goers may already recognise Grace from previous Fulltone events, where she has appeared regularly over recent years.
Now she is preparing for one of her biggest festival appearances yet, sharing the stage with one of Australia’s most recognisable entertainers.
Speaking ahead of the event, Grace said: “Fulltone Festival has always been such a special event to be part of and I’ve loved performing there over the years.
“To now have the opportunity to sing alongside Jason Donovan is incredibly exciting. He’s such an iconic performer and I can’t wait to be part of what is going to be an amazing weekend.”
Organisers say Grace’s appearance reflects the festival’s commitment to supporting local performers alongside established national and international acts.
Festival Director Jemma Brown said she had watched Grace’s development from local performer to professional artist with pride.
She said: “Grace is a wonderful example of local talent flourishing on a professional stage.
“We’ve watched her develop as a performer over the years and we’re absolutely delighted that she’ll be joining Jason Donovan this summer.
“It’s fantastic to be able to showcase someone who began performing right here in Devizes and is now building an exciting professional career.”
Fulltone Festival has established itself as one of Wiltshire’s largest live music events, attracting thousands of visitors each year to Park Farm on the outskirts of Devizes.
This year’s programme promises a diverse mix of orchestral performances, tribute acts and live music spanning multiple genres, from classical and pop to Motown, dance and rock.
Headliner Jason Donovan will be joined across the weekend by acts including The Wurzels, Rozalla, Ricardo Afonso, Mark Shaw, Seriously Collins, Mainly Madness and The Fulltone Orchestra.
For many local residents, however, Grace’s appearance may be one of the most inspiring stories of the weekend – proof that a young performer who started out on community stages in Devizes can go on to build a successful career and return home to perform alongside some of the biggest names in entertainment.
