How Could I Forget?

How Could I Forget? is a brand-new musical that blends heartfelt storytelling, sharp Northern humour and unforgettable original songs. Written by acclaimed Sheffield musician Joe Carnall Jnr (Milburn, ex-Reverend & The Makers), this intimate actor-musician show made its debut to sold-out audiences in 2025 and now tours the North in Autumn 2026.

Set in the North, the story centres on Billy, a young man trying to make sense of his life as his grandfather Jack begins to live with dementia. As Jack’s memories slip, the narrative jumps between past and present, memory and reality, with moments from different decades colliding around a living-room piano. This time-shifting structure allows a rich mix of musical styles - from folk to indie and ballads - reflecting a lifetime of songs and experiences.

Told with warmth, honesty and a lightness of touch, How Could I Forget? explores the realities of family, memory and change, without ever losing its sense of joy. The music plays a vital role in the storytelling, showing how songs can unlock memories, bridge generations and say the things words sometimes cannot.

Both moving and uplifting, the show is a love letter to grandparents and the lasting impact they have on our lives. How Could I Forget? is a celebration of the people who shape us, the stories we carry and the songs that keep memories alive, even as time slips away.