Christopher Biggins, immensely popular star of musical theatre, screen comedies, panto dame extraordinaire and one of Britain’s best-loved TV personalities, is announced today as the host of the 2015 West End Heroes gala concert.
Following the phenomenal success of West End Heroes last year, which saw the casts of many of the biggest West End musicals unite with the finest UK military bands and musicians in a stunning performance that raised £78,243.01 for the Help For Heroes charity, the Dominion Theatre is to once again host the event, this year on Sunday 4 October at 7.30pm
Biggins will oversee proceedings and also perform in several big song and dance numbers that are being kept a secret until the night!
He said today: “I’m delighted to be able to give my support to West End Heroes by hosting what I know will be a marvellous evening, with some wonderful surprises. It’s a wonderful way for the West End to show their appreciation for all that our lovely service folk do for us and to support such a worthy charity.”
West End Heroes will again unite the country’s top military musicians with even more West End performers and productions in a dazzling showcase of show-stopping numbers, unlikely song mash-ups and stunning choreography and precision drilling.
The West End casts of Elf The Musical, and Zoonation’s Into the Hoods, will join musical theatre and West End favourites Bonnie Langford, currently appearing in EastEnders as Carmel Kazemi, and Mazz Murray currently starring in Mamma Mia! who will make special guest appearances. They will be joined by classical crossover sensation Charlotte Jaconelli, and recent Britain’s Got Talent magician extraordinaire Jamie Raven.
The involvement of more West End casts will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Returning to form the centrepiece of the gala and under the baton of Squadron Leader Piers Morrell will be The Central Band of the Royal Air Force, which is widely regarded as one of the finest military bands in the UK and incorporates the celebrated RAF Squadronaires Big Band. There will also be support from The Band of HM Royal Marines, The Band of the Army Air Corps and a Ceremonial Fanfare team, and a special performance by the Colchester Garrison Military Wives Choir.
West End Heroes Producer David Pearson, the Dominion Theatre’s General Manager, said: “Last year we had 200 people performing on stage and a small army behind the scenes, most who worked for nothing on their day off. The money raised will again make a huge contribution to the amount needed for Help for Heroes to carry on their incredible work.”
There will again be performances from the West End Heroes Choir – made up of people working behind the scenes in the West End – led by Stuart Morley, and the West End Heroes Dancers, led by Matt Flint.
Bryn Parry, Co-Founder and CEO of Help for Heroes said: “We’re thrilled to work with West End Heroes again in 2015 and look forward to an another fantastic event at the same time as raising a significant amount of money to help our injured Servicemen and women and their families.”
Help for Heroes offers comprehensive support to those who have suffered life-changing injuries and illnesses after serving our country. This support is provided through grants direct to our Heroes and their families, grants to other charities and through four Help for Heroes Recovery Centres across the UK. A study in September 2014 by Help for Heroes and the Royal College of Psychiatrists found that 75,000 men and women may need long term support following the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Creative Team for For West End Heroes 2015
Director Tim Marshall (Festival of Remembrance, Royal Albert Hall)
Musical Director Squadron Leader Piers Morrell, Director of Music, RAF Central Band
Musical Supervisor Stuart Morley (We Will Rock You; Night of a 1000 Stars)
Choreographer Matt Flint (So You Think You Can Dance; Strictly Come Dancing)
Assistant Director Carole Todd (Carnaby Street, Dreamboats and Petticoats)
Design Tim Soden (The Lion King; Calendar Girls)
Produced by Dominion Events
LISTINGS
WEST END HEROES
DOMINION THEATRE
Tottenham Court Road
London
W1T 7AQ
Sunday 4 October at 7.30pm
www.westendheroes.com
www.facebook.com/WestEndHeroes
www.twitter.com/WestEndHeroes
Tickets from £32.50