Drive-by birthday surprise for Linslade West End star and drama teacher!

Richard Reynard, 43, was having a quiet celebration in his garden along with partner Anthony Deas, mum Bridget Fox and friend Zoë Curlett, when he was mysteriously told to stand outside his house on New Road at 3pm.

Waiting for him to appear were a row of his students, who were standing across the street smiling and waving, as well as a convoy of parents and pupils, who drove past to wish him a ‘Happy Birthday’.

Richard said: “It was magical. It made me feel so special and loved, and like a celebrity!

“I got so many cards and flowers, and a cake in the shape of a Dairy Milk. There must have been about 60 or 70 people. It was a surreal experience.”

Richard - or Richie Rich as he is known to his students - runs a dance and drama school called Musical Theatre High, which is based at the Recreation Rooms, a community space which he owns on Mentmore Road.

During the lockdown, Richard has been busy running classes online with themed weeks, such as ‘Wicked’ and ‘Grease’, although he misses seeing his students in person.

The drama teacher has himself starred in West End shows, including Cats, Chicago, The Witches Of Eastwick, My Fair Lady and Mamma Mia, while he made his debut in the first ever UK tour of Fame The Musical. However, his passion for teaching led to a career change.

Richard said: “It used to be about the applause I’d get as acknowledgement for my job; now, I enjoy seeing students progress and evolve, and watching their confidence and self-esteem grow. That’s what gives me a buzz.”

Richard would like to thank everyone who came to surprise him, especially his partner, Anthony, whose idea it was, and his MTH assistant, Kate West, who organised it.

To find out more about MTH, visit: http://www.musicaltheatrehigh.com/

Richard has been nominated for SME Business Hero. To vote, visit: www.bedfordshireawards.co.uk/vote-your-business-hero