West End performer Rhys Owen has released a powerful new version of ‘Quiet’ from the musical Matilda to reach out to his colleagues in the arts industry who have also been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Joining Owen on the track is fellow performer and TV presenter David Ribi, who also created the stunning musical arrangement. Owen filmed, directed and edited the piece himself in only two days.

Ribi is best known for being a kids TV presenter on C5’s Milkshake. He also appeared as Brad in The Rocky Horror Show (World Tour) as well as performing in tours of Mamma Mia and Hairspray.

Owen’s previous credits include Pop in We Will Rock You (Royal Caribbean) and Patsy in Spamalot (UK & International Tour). He most recently joined the Only Fools and Horses West End company as Ensemble/Swing in February 2020 but only five weeks later, the light went out for him and the entire industry.

Owen said: “‘Quiet’ from Matilda came on shuffle and I was moved to tears. Why? The lyrics (by Tim Minchin) speak to our industry. ‘Our hearts are pounding...’our eyes are burning’ .. ‘I just wish they’d stop’...’the tele and the stories’.

“‘We will sail out of this storm’...together… and, when we do, we will sing louder, we will dance harder, we will act deeper, we will work stronger and the audiences will cheer louder than ever before.”

To watch the video, please see below: