14-05-2025
Famous Sheffield Wednesday fan shines a light on Alzheimer's disease
We're taking a slight diversion with today's newsletter to highlight a stunning new musical written by one of Sheffield Wednesday's most famous fans.
Joe Carnall Jnr is most commonly known as the frontman for Milburn, who are widely recognised as one of the finest bands to come out of Sheffield.
He is also famed for spinning several other plates at the same time – music side projects, hosting legendary Christmas parties and teaching history amongst them.
His latest innovative project inevitably has its roots in Sheffield and is the most inspirational piece of work he has ever produced.
How Could I Forget? is an emotional love letter to grandparents which delves into the intergenerational impact of Alzheimer's disease.
I've written a musical! Give @hcifmusical a follow and head over to the website to find out more/sign up for early access. Your support would mean the world (*bricking it*)
— Joe Carnall (@JoeCarnallJnr) March 31, 2025
While the characters are presented under different names, the musical is a personal peek behind the curtains at Carnall Jnr's family.
Music and its power to shape memory play a significant part in a story which expertly tackles the impact dementia can have on everyday life.
Although the subject matter is heartbreaking, the script's underlying humour elevates the musical beyond what the audience may expect.
Without giving away too many spoilers, the emotional moment where the grandad passes away is handled with tenderness and compassion.
The end of the performance triggered a startling reaction on the opening night, with the audience collectively taking a moment to ponder what they had witnessed.
The brief silence was quickly shattered as everyone stood to applaud what had been a truly memorable occasion.
Iconic basketball coach Jim Valvano once famously delivered a speech imploring people to laugh, spend time in thought and have their emotions moved to tears every day.
How Could I Forget? ticks every one of those boxes and deserves to be showcased to a much wider audience.
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