In loving memory
Laura Leo
Momma Ogre, chorus and dance troupe, wardrobe mistress, and the costumier behind Leo's Theatrical Costumiers, which dressed five WMTC shows.

Remembered in the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 2026 programme
Laura was such a talented human being. She had a huge personality, a smile you couldn’t help but catch and a laugh that was totally infectious.
Laura was an integral part of the Willenhall team. Vocally superhuman, she led her section with confidence, boldly singing for others to follow. In her own right, she was a lead vocalist in every sense, with a voice that could truly rock the world. Laura had recently landed the role of one of the Divas in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, a part perfectly suited to her incredible vocal talent. Willenhall could not have been happier for her.
Laura has been a member of Willenhall Musical Theatre Company for many years. She was a fantastic Mama Ogre in Shrek, a vital member of our chorus and dance troupe, a dedicated wardrobe mistress, and the supplier of the most wonderful costumes. Laura’s costumes were something truly special. She poured her heart and soul into everything she created, often crafting new pieces simply because she wanted her friends to shine on stage.
Laura, we will always miss the laughs, the smiles, and that unforgettable voice. It still feels as though you might walk through the door at any moment, ready to take measurements and provide footwear notes.
Laura’s passing was a total shock to everyone, a light extinguished way too early. Rest in peace dear Laura.
The record
2014 to 2026
12 productions. On stage in 8 of them, and wardrobe mistress for 6.
- 2014Thoroughly Modern Millie
Chorus
- 2015
- 2015Dick Whittington
Chorus of citizens, sailors, guards and palace attendants
- 2016Me and My Girl
Chorus, and wardrobe mistress
- 2017Anything Goes
Chorus, and wardrobe mistress
- 2018Half a Sixpence
Wardrobe Mistress
- 2019Sister Act
Wardrobe Mistress
- 2022Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Listed under Non Acting Members
- 2023Shrek the Musical
Momma Ogre
Sings Big Bright Beautiful World with Papa Ogre and Young Shrek at the top of the show.
- 2024Beauty and the Beast
Dancers / Chorus, and wardrobe mistress
- 2025The Wizard of Oz
Chorus, and wardrobe mistress
Thanked by name in the programme: Laura Leo for her role as Wardrobe Mistress.
- 2026Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Her costumes dressed the show. The company dedicated it to her memory.
Her own work
Leo's Theatrical Costumiers
Laura ran it, and it dressed 5 WMTC productions. The last of them opened after she had died, in costumes she had already made.
- 2019Sister Act
Costumes
- 2023Shrek the Musical
Rat Tappers and Fiona's costumes by Leo's Theatrical Costumiers. Principal costumes were Molly Limpet's.
- 2024Beauty and the Beast
Costumes
- 2025The Wizard of Oz
Costumes
- 2026Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Costumes
She was wardrobe mistress from 2016, three years before the first of these. For Me and My Girl, Anything Goes and Half a Sixpence the costumes came from elsewhere and she ran the wardrobe anyway.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 2026
We dedicate this show in memory of Laura Leo
Simon would like to dedicate his performances to the late and lovely Laura Leo, a beautiful soul who is missed greatly by us all, and whose talent, sharp wit, and even sharper needle was always an important addition to our productions and our lives. Hope you enjoy the show Laura whilst you are looking down on us, I promise to look after your costumes that are in my care. God bless you, Laura. X.
Daniel would like to dedicate this performance to Laura Leo, a close friend he misses dearly.
Both were printed in the programme, in the performers’ own words, alongside their biographies.
A note
Every year above was read out of the programme the company printed for that show, or off the show pages of its old websites for the years before 2016. Where a year shows no stage credit, the chorus list was checked and her name is not in it.
She was in the chorus of nine productions and the company photographed all of them, so she is in those galleries. Picking one person out of a crowd on a stage is harder than it sounds, and a memorial page is the wrong place to guess at a face. If you can point her out, we would be glad to hear from you.
