Leicestershire’s own Grace Richardson, the newly crowned Miss England dreams of one day being on the West End Stage.
The 20-year-old Musical Theatre student at the LCPA , a high quality professional training in Arts , Dance & Musical Theatre, Grace had hoped to impress the Miss England final judges with a live stunning ballet performance filming her audition entry inside Leicester Cathedral, which showcased her poise and passion for the arts.
But just days after submitting her audition video for the Miss England Talent round, Grace fractured her foot during a routine practice at university, leaving her unable to perform her dance live.
Refusing to give up, Grace instead turned to singing — performing “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman —at the Miss England final which ultimately won her the Miss England crown.
Despite living with a condition called ankyloglossia or being tongue-tied the condition restricts the movement of her tongue, making singing especially challenging.
“It’s been tough, but I’ve learned to adapt,” said Grace. “My injury and tongue-tie have taught me that setbacks don’t have to stop you — they can make you stronger.”
“Every Drop Counts” is Grace’s Beauty with a Purpose Project
Grace’s journey to the Miss England finals is not only defined by her talent but by her unwavering commitment to sustainability, youth education, and global advocacy.
As the founder of the EveryDropCounts which is her Beauty with a Purpose campaign, she created a petition calling for Mandatory Water Impact Labels on clothing in UK which already had the support of Ann Oliver MBE a legendary Performing Arts Educator and founder of the British Theatre Dance Association (BTDA) – Miss Oliver’s career in the arts and youth development spans over decades.
Grace with Ann Oliver MBE
“Miss Oliver’s encouragement means so much,” said Grace. “She has inspired generations to pursue excellence with purpose, and I hope this campaign reflects that spirit.”
EveryDropCounts calls for UK legislation to ensure clothing brands display the litres of water used to produce garments, helping consumers make more informed, sustainable choices — similar to nutrition labels on food packaging.
“When I learnt that a single pair of jeans can take 10,000 litres of water to produce — I felt compelled to take action,” said Grace. “What began as one person – taking small steps to help conserve water, reduce single-use plastic and clothing waste, blossomed into a youth-led movement which aims to educate, inspire and empower people to take action.”
Grace is also in the preliminary stages of creating an eco-themed educational game that aims to inspire young people to protect the planet. The proceeds of which, once launched, will benefit environmental charities such as WASUP ( World Against Single Use Plastic) and The Vayyu Foundation where she serves as an ambassador.
As she steps into the international spotlight, Grace remains focused on her long-term goals: her performing arts & driving systemic change in fashion through water impact labels, empowering young people through education, and supporting vulnerable children worldwide.
Also preparing to perform in the Miss World talent round walking (carefully) on the road to recovery, Grace embodies the true spirit of Miss England.
Watch Graces Talent audition Miss England (click the image below)
TALENT AUDITION – Click the image
ENDS
For more details
Anne Oliver MBE
https://www.annoliver.co.uk/who-we-are/
Vayyufoundation where Grace serves as an ambassador please visit;
Leicester College of Performing Arts where Grace studies
