More than 300 stars of stage and screen will take part in a gala event entitled, Shine Bright Like a Diamond, at the Pavilion Theatre, Worthing on Sunday October 20th at 7.30pm, in aid of St Barnabas House and to celebrate 40 years of local hospice care.
The event will be hosted by Mark Stacey from BBC’s Flog It! and Bargain Hunt, as well as presenter and author Annabel Giles. They will compere the event which, among other stars, features Isabelle Allen from the film Les Misérables, Olympic ice-skating champion Robin Cousins, actress June Brown, stars of Oliver! Ron Moody and Mark Lester, Rocky Horror’s original Magenta – Patricia Quinn, Lee Latchford-Evans of Steps (pictured), Tina Barrett from S Club 7 and swing band The Jive Aces.
Michael Jackson dance tribute Signature and comedy impressionist Philip Green both from Britain’s Got Talent will be taking to the stage, as will Chris Ellison from ITV’s The Bill and Burnside, Danny Young from Coronation St and Dancing on Ice, Denise Nolan of The Nolans, actress Kacey Barnfield, TV and film icon Fenella Fielding, actor Roman Kemp, female impersonator Ceri Dupree, Joe Glenny from Big Brother 2013, Mike Christie from G4, Ben Wilby from Nativity and Nativity 2 and Rickie Arthur will be performing as Michael Bublé.
The event also features a number of musical theatre professionals including West End singer Leo Andrew, Tania Newton from Les Miserables and Cats, Jaydon Vijn from the UK tour of Oliver! and the West End musical Matilda, rising star Scarlet Margaroli and also features The West End Gospel Choir, burlesque troupe The Folly Mixtures, Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, The Hertfordshire Showband, The Ace Academy of Irish Dance and The Circus Project.
Other artistes performing will be singers Hayley Cann, Lucy Alexander, Lydia Hague, Caroline Johns, members of The Theatre Workshop and students from Redroofs Theatre School.
The show has been created by local producers Paul Ferris and George Christie who have held similar events around the country. They are joined by musical director Marc Yarrow and choreographer Joshua Barrow
George Christie says: “We first started talking about the idea of a gala when Marc and I visited St Barnabas to help with ideas for the staff choir. The fundraising team advised us that 2013 was the 40th anniversary of the hospice and so we thought it was the perfect opportunity to put on an extra special gala. It’s going to be a fantastic event with a superb line up. We are all looking forward to it and hope to raise lots of money for St Barnabas House.”
Shine Bright Like a Diamond is staged at the Pavilion Theatre, Marine Parade, Worthing. BN11 3PX on Sunday October 20th at 7.30pm. Tickets are £29.50, concessions £5 off, Friends of Worthing Theatres £22.50 and can be purchased from the box office on 01903 206 206 or online at www.worthingtheatres.co.uk
