Song in Memory of the Duke of Edinburgh

Old Stamfordian, Henry Dawe (OS 01) has showcased his creative flair by releasing a song in memory of the Duke of Edinburgh, raising funds for charity, and through having two comedy books published.Henry has recorded and released a song to celebrate the life of the Duke of Edinburgh, with proceeds supporting the charity ‘The Silver Line’. The Silver Line are a free and confidential national helpline for anyone aged 55 and over in the UK, to support those who struggle with isolation, loneliness and feelings of vulnerability. Given the effects of the Covid pandemic experienced by so many, and considering the Duke of Edinburgh’s passion for inclusion, Henry thought this to be the ideal charity of choice.The song was originally recorded in preparation for the celebration of the Duke of Edinburgh 100th birthday, but has been amended to celebrate his life, after his passing. Recorded in The Cream Room, a studio in Hertfordshire, Henry and his colleagues put the finishing touches to the song which has now been released as a tribute. Henry talks of the ‘Two paces back’ theme being a recognition of the Duke in his relationship with The Queen, and his continuous support of her in always being ‘two paces back’. Details about the Duke of Edinburgh tribute song and charity can be found here.Henry has also had two books published; Play on Words (a six-part radio series) and Thirty Pieces of Pottiness (scripts to read for pleasure). Henry said: “I love laughter. With each show you put on you learn, grow and develop. Some things work better than expected and some things work less but with every show you gain a better understanding of what works.“Humour is based around misunderstanding regarding words, double meanings, taking an idea and turning it on its head - leading the audience down one route but with an unexpected punchline. That is why I love this side of performance and word play so much.” More details about Henry’s books can be found here.Enjoying English and modern languages whilst at the Schools, Henry attributes his initial love for acting to playing the part of Egeon in The Comedy of Errors. This, he said: “gave me the impetus to do more”. Henry joined the Uppingham Theatre Company to continue this newfound confidence and love for the stage. Now working in the culture and leisure sector in Rutland, Henry continues to pursue his interests in theatre and has turned his hand to writing a short comedy series, which started with a one-act play Beyond the Pail, performed at the 2016 Leicester Comedy Festival.Henry has had a long-standing interest in the Royal Family. Following his time at Stamford he studied French and German at Gonville and Caius College, a constituent college of the University of Cambridge, later working in Cologne for a translation firm, and teaching at Stamford’s exchange school Ernst-Kalkuhl-Gymnasium, in Bonn. On returning to the UK Henry worked on the summer opening of Buckingham Palace, later returning to the Palace to work permanently with the Royal Collection, and moving to St James’s Palace to continue this work as an administrator in that department.For more news from Stamford Alumni, please click here.