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Ragamuffin Man at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane took place on Sunday, 20th March 2005, at 6pm. All the money raised from this performance will go to the Loomba Trust to support the education of 500 unfortunate children who have lost their fathers or both parents in the Tsunami disaster in Nagapattinum in South India.

The Loomba Trust educates the children of poor widows in India and supports their families. The charity was founded by Mr Raj Loomba after his mother Shrimati Pushpa Wati Loomba was widowed at the age of 37 but went on to raise and educate her seven children single handedly, a very inspirational achievement.

The Loomba Trust’s work also aims to help change the way a widow is perceived in India and remove the stigma associated with losing a husband.

Amongst the audience of over 800 people, Cherie Booth QC, President of the Loomba Trust, Lord and Lady Dholakia, Dr. David Thomas and many other dignitaries will be attending the charity play, which tells the story of Dr Thomas Barnardo and the origins of his work helping destitute children in London in the 1800s. The Loomba Trust maintains strong links with the Barnardo’s charity of which Mr Raj Loomba is a Vice President.

The performance and its cast of 140 pupils aged 5-13 and staff from the Reigate St Mary’s Preparatory and Choir School re-enact the entire musical, written and composed by Jon Fielder. Ragamuffin Man, with its unforgettable message, happy and sad songs, combined with these very talented children will touch even the hardest heart.

Commented Alex Gear, Headmaster of Reigate St. Mary’s and Director of the Musical,” We are absolutely delighted to be performing at the THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE. It is a true testament to the hard work of pupils, staff and parents that we have been asked to recreate this wonderful musical on the West End stage, which is a first for the school. We are pleased to have the opportunity to help raise money for The Loomba Trust and its TSUNAMI programme.