Home

Salisbury Playhouse – until 31 December 2017.  Reviewed by Jo Gordon
5*****

Little Robin Redbreast
By Glyn Kerslake & Gareth Machin

Robin (Joe Etherington) lives with his Mummy (Elaine Glover), Daddy (Dan Smith) and sister Molly (Philippa Hogg).  Christmas is fast approaching and it is Robins favourite time of year as it is the one day he gets to spend doing fun stuff with his usually very busy parents. Mummy and Daddy give Robin and Molly an advent calendar each to help count down to the big day, Molly like ones with chocolates in and Robin prefers pictures. As Robin begins to open his doors we go on a magical adventure meeting new characters and hearing stories related to whats behind those exciting little doors , from the bright star to rapping squirrels and tap dancing mice! Will little Robin get back to his family nest in time for Christmas?

The set is incredibly creative with just a handful of props and a beautiful backdrop of a giant advent calendar with simple yet charming, lit pictures to guide us through the story. The musical numbers are imaginative and fun that draw the young audience in and capture their imaginations.  Lots of audience participation that being aimed at such a young audience can have amusing outcomes!

The perfect festive production for little ones who may struggle with a longer, larger panto production being around 55 minutes long.

Opera House Manchester – until 7th January 2018.  Reviewed by Julie Noller 

5*****

Dick Whittington, the panto paved with gold, begins it’s festive run on the stage of Manchester’s Opera House until 7th January 2018. Panto the very best of family fun, yes and quite often naughty in a number of ways… this is no exception. Well done to the staff at the Opera House for getting in full panto Christmas spirit, flashing tiaras and glitter spray greeted us and, feeling the need, I might have just come home with a pink furry flashing tiara, be warned at a cost of £8 they aren’t cheap but they never are and I was prepared with my Christmas pennies.

I was surprised to be given a pair of 3D glasses, I did wonder what for, traditionally not something I would expect during panto. Dick Whittington is produced by leading panto producers Qdos Entertainment. Staring John Barrowman in the title role and 1980’s stars of entertainment The Krankies who really stole the show with their naughty shenanigans leading for a series of hilarious moments both on and off the stage for stars and audience alike.

Anyone who knows John Barrowman from shows like Doctor Who, Torchwood and his own entertainment show Tonight’s the Night will be aware that he is a true showman and loves every moment of the limelight. His fun loving personality and ability to laugh at the slightest gaff shines through and still has me smiling. I do think maybe it should be renamed as “Dick Whittington the Musical” for there was plenty of singing and dancing. Lauren Hampton as Alice and Jacqueline Hughes as The Spirit of Bow Bells, were magnificent, wow what voices and I’m sure there are a few little girls waking up today (or little boys) feeling the love for these two fabulous characters. Dick first graces us with his presence by showing off his Manchester accent, there’s more than a hint of his famous Glaswegian lilt but as he laughs and relaxes the audience he greets us with the three words he can say well ‘ey up chuck’ to which we all shout back ‘ey up Dick’.

The boo, hiss moments come thick and fast when King Rat (Phil Corbitt) appears, nasty and smelly he sets up Dick so his love Alice turns her back on him. When Dick asks the audience what should he do with King Rat once defeated and captured, ‘kill him’ shouts the audiences younger members, cue John Barrowman breaking into giggles and asking the same question three times before stating ‘we need him tomorrow’. You’ll be pleased to know he was banished to life in the sewers. Local boy Ryan Kayode got massive shouts and cheers as Tommy the cat, showing John Barrowman how you get the accent right, with local dialect that has Dick stating ‘I don’t speak that language’ and ‘yeah what he says’ . Kage Douglas makes up the small cast as Sultan Vinegar brother of Sultan Pepper with his many wives ‘but that’s Bigamy’ declares Dick ‘oh it’s very big of me’ replies Sultan just one of the many smutty one liners you would expect from Panto.

The Krankies, I remember the days when as a child I discovered Jimmy wasn’t really a young boy but really a small woman, now aged seventy, I am in awe of a double act who have lasted the test of time and appear to be having the best party up on stage, I want to belong to their gang. Janette has been known so long as Wee Jimmy that her character slipped in and out with ease and they played the clowns so well that you can see the years of experience of life on stage shine through. There’s more one liners than a stand up comedy show, it’s panto that Great British tradition that we all love at Christmas time.

I can’t think of many seventy year old’s who would be happy to be thrown around the way Janette is, I know I would be broken. I think come morning I may just wake up feeling the love for Wee Jimmy. Janette quite possibly is just the sixth Spice Girl and when she breaks into song for Picking on Me, well the faces she pulls just melts the audience.

As is always the case with panto then you have to listen out for the ad-libs and they came thick and fast although I believe it’s quite a skill to have the audience wondering if they are scripted bluffs and gaffs or true slip ups. One of my favourte we shall call the great trumpet fiasco, firstly the trumpet magically plays before it touches Jimmys lips and then they lose the trumpet in a bed, cue frantic searching, giggles from stage, sticking doors, John Barrowman needing to get his nose fixed, Ian Kankie quickly throwing in a rescue line. Sounds caotic? Yup isn’t that the joy of panto. We found out what the 3D glasses were for after the interval, wow what a great addition I heard screams,I watched people duck but it was thoroughly enjoyed by young and old alike. I won’t spoil it for you let’s keep the suspense and say it’s a wonderful underwater adventure. I loved the giant Rudolph who rescued Dick and brought him to London with his red flashing nose and blinking eyes, I wanted to reach out and pat him. I don’t feel the same love for the giant shark though, he nearly ate poor wee Jimmy and reminded me of watching Jaws.

Dick Whittington the boy who searched for streets paved with gold and grew up to be Lord Mayor of London. It’s a tale we all know and love. This one includes plenty of sing a longs including a Village People medley. It is the perfect antidote to dark, cold winter nights that are filled with snow and ice. A great light entertainment break from Christmas shopping, the drag of Christmas holidays, finishing the roller coaster New Year with a show that doesn’t ask you to think too much, has you laughing as much at the mistakes as at the genuine lines. Just don’t forget to don your flashing tiara.

King’s Head Theatre, London – until 6th January.  Reviewed by Sabrina Fancy

5*****

Beauty and the Beast- An Absolute Delight!

Having previously attended the award-winning theatre company ‘Fat Rascal’s’ productions, I knew that I was in for a treat – and something out of the ordinary. Their latest production of Beauty and the Beast was just that.

This musical parody follows the story of Beauty and the Beast-but tells the tale from a feminist perspective. Gender roles are swapped, with the Beast being played by a female (Robyn Grant) and the ‘Beauty’ played by the handsome yet delicate bookworm Beau (Jamie Mawson). Will Beau able to see the Beast’s lovely personality beyond all that fur?

‘Gaston’ in the film was replaced by the strapping female ‘Chevonne’ (played by Katie Wells who is brilliant!) vying for the affections of Beau. It was nice to see an alpha female lead, as opposed to the submissive females that seem to dominate most fairy tales.

The cast of 5 and a live musician are young, fresh and very cheeky! They have an excellent synergy together and their comedic timing is perfect! All of the performers brought something unique to the production, playing several roles seamlessly and changing characters in an instant! They were all extremely talented individuals and I would love to see them working together again!

It is a big undertaking to create a panto in a fresh and sassy way, but award -winning producer Laura Elmes has managed this! There is really never a dull moment here! My companion who is not easily amused-was roaring with laughter throughout.

It is obvious that a lot of preparation went into putting this show together. I was pleasantly surprised by the number of songs that peppered the show. Many made a mockery of original Beauty and the Beast that some notable numbers were Chevonne (Instead of Gaston) ‘What would Jane Austen Do?’., Have a brunch (Parody of Be our Guest) and Eggs. You could not help laughing at the lyrics and the delivery of the musical numbers. It was also brilliant how social and political references were weaved in-in a subtle-yet deeply amusing way.

At the end of the show, the cast was treated to a well-deserved standing ovation! This is definitely a must see for a brilliant night out that leaves you happy-and energised!

This is a mad, hilarious and extremely clever production. It is far superior to many musicals I have seen on the West End! For this reason, I am giving Beauty and the Beast: A Musical Parody 5 stars and looking forward to seeing what shows Fat Rascals creates next!

Beauty and the Beast: A Musical Parody is on at the King’s Head Theatre, London, 11th December – 6th January.

The Lowry Theatre, Manchester – until 7 January 2018.  Reviewed by Alison Fearon

5*****

The production is an adaption of the best-selling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler by theatre company Tall Stories.

As soon as we entered the theatre the friendly staff were offering booster seats for the children to sit on and showing us to our seats and my daughter was already mesmerised – asking ‘where is the Mouse’, by having the curtains up and the staging on view the excitement was already building.

From the moment the characters appear on stage there is not only the telling of the story but also a mixture of singing, dancing and comedy (some of which was aimed at the children and some for the adults to have a good giggle too).

As the mouse starts his journey walks through the deep dark wood, he meets all the characters within the book, the Owl, Snake and the Fox. All the animals have amazing characteristics which make it believable and come to life for the children. The adaptation of the snake, through movement, singing and humour is one not to be missed; it had both adults and children laughing in their seats

As soon as the Guffalo bursts onto the stage there is an added enthusiasm brought to the production – I didn’t even think after the Snake my daughter could get any more excited. With the twists and turns of the tale unfolding and costume changes the story was well and truly brought to life.

This is a show not to be missed and one I think I could watch again and again, its amazing how a production can keep so many young children engaged and mesmerised for nearly an hour.

Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield – until 6 January 2018.  Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood

5*****

Following the successful run of Cinderella last Christmas; Joyce Branagh and Andrew Pollard collaborate and bring their second professional pantomime, Jack & The Beanstalk, to Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield. As expected, theatregoers are welcomed and entertained with popular festive songs and a colourful and glittery stage awaits one for the anticipated performance.

Jack & The Beanstalk is a popular fairy tale – about a poor boy and his widowed mother who depends on their cow, Buttercup, for their income. When the cow no longer produces milk, it is exchanged for magic beans which lead to adventures unknown via a beanstalk. It is certainly a good choice for the tale to be told pantomime style.

A traditional pantomime has something for everyone and this production is no exception. Fortuna (Heather Phoenix) serves as a narrator/fairy and is mentor to Jack (Thomas Cotran) and magically guides him to adventures beyond. Jack is always remembered with his presence of “My name is Jack, sing it back” with the audience’s response, “Jack, Jack, Jack”. Keeping with tradition there is always a dame and Jack’s father, Dame Dorothy Trott (Robin Simpson) make her presence with outrageous costumes and her tongue in cheek manner linking to innuendos and adult references. The audience responds to her “You Wotty” to “Here’s Dotty” when she makes her presence.

There are localised references with “Ey Up!” and a mention of Huddersfield Town football club and of course references to current affairs, politics, celebrities, pop stars, fashions and brands that people can relate to. The script is written well and fits into story with the trimmings of a pantomime and its characters.

Rebekah Hughes, the musical director, arranges effectively the music including popular songs and medleys. A medley of songs from Queen, at the end of the first act, is used appropriately for an important but somewhat risky journey Jack needs to make in order to rescue Jill (Megan Turner) from the perils of Nightshade (James McLean). The singing and dancing are arranged harmoniously by Rachel Gee, the production choreographer, and the colourful costumes and staging, kaleidoscope the story telling and entertaining. Sing- a-longs are strongly encouraged and of course the infamous pantomime lines, “Oh no you’re not”, “Oh yes I am” and Shout Outs are backed with “Brussels sprouts”.

Of course there is always a villain in the pantomime which is courtesy of Nightshade and his entrance is combined with a “Strictly Come Dancing” theme combined with a familiar villainous tune. McLean ensures his character has the maximum spotlight and does this well amid a shout of “Boos”. However the stand out character must be Dame Dorothy Trott and Simpson’s performance is certainly entertaining with hilarity from beginning to end. The cast on the whole are excellent and work so well together.

Like many fairy tales there are happy endings and Jack and the Beanstalk is no different. Certainly a happy ending to a very happy evening. Glitter Pantomimes must take pride with their stunning glittering sets and costumes (including its life size cow and giant) and contributes towards a sparkling evening of festive fun and frolics. An excellent production certainly worth booking to see during the Christmas season.

 

New Diorama Theatre – until 23 December.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Thirty Christmases is a Christmas show without any schmaltz, but full of heart. Rachel and Jonny haven’t spoken for over 10 years, and haven’t had a happy Christmas together since their father disappeared when they were children. But now they are working things out, and rather than pay for therapy, Jonny has decided to hire a theatre and tell their story to strangers.

Jonny Donahoe‘s play with music is warm and wistful, exploring the loneliness of Christmastime without anyone special to celebrate with. Telling the story – with the help of best friend Paddy, who they met in care – about childhood Christmases with their socialist and unconventional father, with interesting songs about Jesus being a Socialist and unique Christmas traditions thrown in, the siblings reveal their nomadic lifestyle and their dad’s chaotic personality before matter-of-factly describing the day dad walked out on them. Donohoe (Jonny & the Baptists) and Rachel Parris bounce off each other as convincing siblings, with Parris’s frustration at Donohoe’s man-child behaviour developing from amusing to heart-breaking. Donohoe’s musical partner Paddy Gervers is ever-present, a looming presence as dad, or cheerfully commenting on his friends’ actions, unable to understand how they could reject each other when he would love to have a family of his own.

Interspersed with songs including Reindeer Sex, Don’t Be a Prick at Christmas, and a fantastic spoof of charity singles, this is definitely not a family show, but it does leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling. Director Alice Hamilton creates a relaxed and homely feel with the kitchen set, and as the audience enter, volunteers are talked into helping peel potatoes, make paper chains and chat with the cast as they prepare for Christmas. Later in the show, some unlucky people also get to sample some of dad’s interesting variations on Eggnog – not for the fainthearted!

With a strong vein of anti-consumerism, Thirty Christmases focuses on the importance of being together at Christmas, and the impact of homelessness, without preaching or over-sentimentality. Instead what you get is a laugh out loud story with hysterical songs that will see you leave the theatre with a huge grin on your face and a newfound determination to enjoy simply BEING with your loved ones at Christmas – even if they give you socks. Buy them a ticket as an early Christmas present.

Irish ghost stories reveal haunted past in Olivier award-winning play at The Lowry

The Weir
Tue 23 – Sat 27 Jan

Conor McPherson’s Olivier award-winning play The Weir comes to The Lowry Tue 23 – Sat 27 Jan.

Co-produced by English Touring Theatre and Mercury Theatre Colchester, The Weir is set in a rural Irish pub and watches locals share ghost stories. What starts off as fun and games, turns out to be more chilling than intended. 

The play stars the returning all Irish cast, Louis Dempsey (Finbar), Sean Murray (Jack), John O’Dowd (Jim), Sam O’Mahony (Brendan) and Natalie Radmall-Quirke (Valerie), who toured the UK in 2017.  

In a small Irish town, the locals exchange stories round the crackling fire of Brendan’s pub to while away the hours one stormy night. As the beer and whisky flows, the arrival of a young stranger, haunted by a secret from her past, turns the tales of folklore into something more unsettling. One story, however, is more chilling and more real than any of them could have ever imagined.

In 1997 Conor McPherson’s ‘The Weir’ opened at The Royal Court and took the West End by storm, winning the Olivier Award for Best New Play. Since it has transferred to Broadway and toured all over the world. It is now considered a modern classic and to be ‘one of the best plays of the past century’ (Daily Telegraph).

Conor McPherson is a playwright and screenwriter. He has won several awards including the George Devine Award, Stewart Parker Award and an Olivier Award. His credits for theatre include The Veil (National Theatre), The Dance of Death (Trafalgar Studios), The Night Alive (Donmar Warehouse, Atlantic Theater, New York) and The Girl from the North Country (Old Vic). For film, his credits include The Eclipse and Strangers and his television work includes Paula. He is currently working on the screenplay Double Cross.

Listings

The Weir 
Dates: Tue 23 – Sat 27 Jan
Times: 8pm. Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Tickets: £20.50 – £30.50. Concessions £2 off.
Website

Access Listings

Audio Described Performances
Sat 27 Feb, 2.30pm

Captioned Performances
Thu 25 Jan, 8pm

For more information on Access at The Lowry visit the website.

JERSEY BOYS, the remarkable true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and their rise to stardom from the wrong side of the tracks. Starring Michael Watson as Frankie Valli, Simon Bailey as Tommy De Vito, Declan Egan as Bob Gaudio and Lewis Griffiths as Nick Massi, the show is packed with hits, including Beggin’, Sherry, Walk Like A Man, December, 1963 (Oh What a Night), Big Girls Don’t Cry, My Eyes Adored You, Let’s Hang On (To What We’ve Got), Bye Bye Baby, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Working My Way Back to You, Fallen Angel, Rag Doll and Who Loves You. 

JERSEY BOYS is the winner of 57 major awards worldwide including Broadway’s Tony, London’s Olivier and Australia’s Helpmann Awards for Best New Musical

The newly announced 2018/19 dates are The Marlowe Canterbury (2 – 13 October 2018), New Victoria Theatre Woking (16 – 27 October 2018), Bristol Hippodrome (30 October – 17 November 2018), Leeds Grand Theatre (20 November – 1 December 2018), New Theatre Oxford (18 December 2018 – 5 January 2019), Wales Millennium Centre (16– 26 January 2019), Palace Theatre Manchester (29 January – 16 February 2019), Edinburgh Playhouse (19 February – 2 March 2019), Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin (5 – 16 March 2019) and Mayflower Theatre Southampton (19 – 30 March 2019).

TOUR SCHEDULE

16 Dec 2017 – 6 Jan 2018 Birmingham New Alexandra 0844 871 3011 www.atgtickets.com/birmingham

10 – 20 January Liverpool Empire 0844 871 3017 www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

23 January – 3 February Milton Keynes Theatre 0844 871 7652 www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

6 – 17 February Stoke Regent Theatre 0844 871 7649 www.atgtickets.com/stoke

20 February – 3 March Hull New Theatre 01482 300 306 www.hulltheatres.co.uk

20 – 31 March Sunderland Empire 0844 871 3022 www.atgtickets.com/sunderland

3 – 14 April Glasgow King’s Theatre 0844 871 7648 www.atgtickets.com/kings-theatre

17 – 28 April Theatre Royal Plymouth 01752 267222 www.theatreroyal.com

9 – 19 May Nottingham Royal Concert Hall 0115 989 5555 www.trch.co.uk

22 May – 2 June Alhambra Theatre, Bradford 01274 432000 www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

5 – 16 June Norwich Theatre Royal 01603 630000 www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

19 – 30 June Sheffield Lyceum Theatre 0114 249 6000 www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

3 – 14 July Aylesbury Waterside Theatre 0844 871 7607 www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury-waterside-theatre

17 – 28 July Cliffs Pavilion, Southend 01702 351135 www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk

31 July – 11 August Newcastle Theatre Royal 0844 811 2121 www.theatreroyal.co.uk

14 – 25 August His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen 01224 641122 www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

28 August – 8 September Wolverhampton Grand Theatre 01902 42 92 12 www.grandtheatre.co.uk

11 – 22 September Belfast Grand Opera House 028 9024 1919 www.goh.co.uk

2 – 13 October The Marlowe, Canterbury 01227 8787787 www.themarlowetheatre.com

16 – 27 October New Victoria Theatre, Woking 0844 8717645 www.atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre On sale soon

30 October – 17 November Bristol Hippodrome 0844 871 3012 www.atgtickets.com/bristol-hippodrome On sale soon

20 November – 1 December Leeds Grand Theatre 0844 848 2700 www.leedsgrandtheatre.com

18 December – 5 January 2019 New Theatre Oxford 0844 871 3020 www.atgtickets.com/new-theatre-oxford On sale soon

16 – 26 January Wales Millennium Centre 029 20636464 www.wmc.org.uk On sale soon

29 January – 16 February Palace Theatre Manchester 0844 871 3019 www.atgtickets.com/palace-theatre-manchester On sale soon

19 February – 2 March Edinburgh Playhouse 0844 871 3014 www.atgtickets.com/edinburgh-playhouse On sale soon

5 – 16 March Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin 0844 847 2455 www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie On sale soon

19 – 30 March Mayflower Theatre Southampton 02380 711811 www.mayflower.org.uk On sale soon

 

NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL AT LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

This Christmas, Leeds Grand Theatre is set to ‘sparkle and shine’ as Nativity! The Musical runs from Wednesday 20 December to Saturday 6 January 2018.

Based on the smash-hit films, written by Bafta Award-winner, Debbie Isitt, NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL tells the tale of Mr Maddens and his crazy assistant Mr Poppy as they struggle with hilarious children, unruly animals and a whole lot of sparkle and shine to make everyone’s Christmas wish come true.

Featuring songs from the movies, including ‘Sparkle and Shine’, ‘Nazareth’ and ‘One Night One Moment’, NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL promises to be the perfect feel-good comedy for all the family.

Written and Directed by Isitt, with music and lyrics by Nicky Ager and Isitt, NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL stars Daniel Boys (BBC’s Any Dream Will Do, Avenue Q, Grease), Sarah Earnshaw (WICKED, Scrooge, Spamalot) and Simon Lipkin (Avenue Q, Rock of Ages).

Isitt said: “I am absolutely delighted to be working with this incredibly talented and hilariously funny musical theatre cast who are going to be brilliant in Nativity! The Musical.  It truly will be an emotionally soaring, feel good experience with beautiful singing and amazing choreography.”

The NATIVITY! film series is one of the most popular UK Christmas film franchises of recent years. Produced by Nick Jones through Mirrorball Films and distributed in the UK by eOne, NATIVITY!, NATIVITY 2 DANGER IN THE MANGER! and NATIVITY 3 DUDE WHERE’S MY DONKEY?! have all gone on to reach top box office positions on theatrical release and sold nearly two million DVDs, capturing the hearts and minds of families all over the UK.

NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Wednesday 20 December 2017 to Saturday 6 January 2018

Tickets are on sale now priced at £20.50 (RV) to £46

(prices include a £3 booking fee. Postage charge £1 where applicable)

Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call Box Office on 0844 848 2700

ACTING FOR OTHERS ANNOUNCE OVER £150,000 HAS BEEN RAISED AT THIS YEAR’S ONE NIGHT ONLY AT THE IVY

 

Theatrical charity Acting for Others announces that over £150,000 has been raised at this year’s One Night Only at The Ivy – setting the record for the highest amount raised from this event. Stars of the stage and screen swapped their costumes for aprons and served diners across two sittings at The Ivy, world-renowned for their unfaltering impeccable service. Heading up the waiting staff this year to ply their trades in bartending, waiting tables, manning cloakrooms and welcoming guests were Noma Dumezweni, Arlene Phillips and Freddie Fox. They were joined by Annette Badland, Samantha Bond, Janie Dee, Neil Dudgeon,Celia Imrie, Cassidy Janson, George Layton, Tamzin Outhwaite, Jemma Redgrave, Anne Reid, Joanna Riding,Neil Stuke, Owen Teale, Kate Thornton, Stephen Tompkinson, Hannah Waddingham and Giles Watling MP.

Sir Derek Jacobi and Dame Maggie Smith were also in attendance hosting the Dame and Knights table with Anne Reid and Richard Clifford as their guests.

The two dinner services, Acts I and II, started at 6pm and 8.45pm and with identical auctions taking place after dinner. The enviable prizes including, dinner at The Ivy’s restaurants every month for a year and VIP Olivier Award tickets, with the walk-on part in Les Miserables prize going for the highest amount at £22,000.

Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen, Chairman of Acting for Others also said, “Huge thanks to all the actors who gave the performances of their lives, and to the guests at two sold-out sittings at The Ivy, and to all the donors and bidders for the wonderful auction prizes on Sunday evening.  Together they helped Acting For Others to raise really worthwhile funds for all theatre-workers in need.”

Director of The Ivy, Fernando Peire said “The Ivy’s centenary has seen much celebration and many special events over the past 12 months. The evenings dinner, served by our friends in the acting community has been the icing on the cake for us. We are extremely proud to have raised over £150,000 – the most we have ever raised, for Acting for Others.”