Christopher Biggins, today launched the 2015 West End Heroes gala concert at the Dominion Theatre with a little help from some military friends….
Dressed as an RAF service woman – just one of the “characters” he’ll play on the night in several big song and dance numbers – he promised a night of surprises, fun and jollity and some rather special flying sequences!
The hugely popular star of musical theatre, screen comedies, panto dame extraordinaire and one of Britain’s best-loved TV personalities, is the host of the 2015 West End Heroes gala concert on Sunday 4 October.
Last year the casts of many of the biggest West End musicals united with the finest UK military bands and musicians in a stunning performance that raised £78,243.01 for the Help For Heroes charity.
He said: “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.
Confirmed to appear are the West End casts of Elf The Musical, Phantom of the Opera and Memphis. With appearances from Ben Forster, Bradley Jaden, Celinde Schoenmaker, Charlotte Jaconelli, El Ocho, Jamie Raven, Jessica Martin, Joe McGann, John Owen Jones, Jon Robyns, Kimberley Walsh, Maurillia Simpson, Mazz Murray, Rachel John.
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 Queen’s Division and Ceremonial Fanfares. There will be also a performance by Colchester Garrison Military Wives Choir.
West End Heroes will once again be generously supported by many TV and theatre stars and will feature line-ups from current and past West End Shows. There will again be a performance 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.
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
VIP Packages available which include
pre-show reception, premium seat and
access to the concert after-party
West End Heroes
Sunday 4th October 2015 – 7.30pm
http://www.dominiontheatre.com/theatre/west-end-heroes/