Roadshow
finale
Monday, 5th
January 2004
(Article published with kind permission of Northeast Press
Limited,
Sunderland Echo)
Orchestra
adds its musical weight to raise cash for charity
STAR FINALE: Conductor
Rupert Hanson leads the Sunderland Symphony Orchestra, some members of
which make up the Sunderland Symphony Variety Orchestra, who will be
performing at Sunderland Empire in aid of the Children of Courage Appeal.
Rupert Hanson
"I
have agreed to do this show because people in Sunderland have been so
helpful to me and my family over the years, I want to put something
back."
THE
Sunderland Symphony Variety Orchestra has added its considerable musical
weight to a series of roadshows raising thousands of pounds for charity.
The orchestra has agreed to
perform at the grand finale concert which will bring the Bobby Knoxall 'Chuckles for Charity' Roadshow
to a fitting climax at the
Empire Theatre on March 1.
The 16‑piece orchestra, led
by music maestro Rupert Hanson, will play a mix of classics and pop ‑ and
perform a new musical version of The Lambton Worm. The concert will bring
Rupert and veteran comic Bobby together on stage for the first time in
more than 50 years.
Rupert said:
“I remember performing alongside Bobby at Middleton Camp in a variety show
when we both attended Jimmy Willies School in the East End. That was a
long time ago."
He added: “I
have agreed to do this show because people in Sunderland have been so
helpful to me and my family over the years, I want to put something back."
The line‑up
for the Empire show is now almost complete with top Irish comedian
Frank Carson and Redcar funnyman Chris McGlade providing the
laughs, alongside Bobby Knoxall.
The roadshow,
which is touring clubs in Sunderland and East Durham, has so far raised
more than £7,000 towards the Echo's Children of Courage Appeal.
And you can
catch the latest show at Town End Farm Workmen's Club in Bexhill Road,
Town End Farm, on Thursday. Tickets are £3.
The roadshow
organisers have also secured the services of a local dance troupe –
details are still being finalised ‑ and are now on the lookout for
talented local footballers.
They want to
hear from footballers who are able to keep the ball in the air for
several minutes for a "match of the day" spot on the Empire show.
Organisers
would also like to hear from any businesses which can offer support by
buying advertisements in the programme for the Empire show.
The Echo's
Children of Courage Appeal aims to raise £90,000 towards the building of
£5million Grace House childrens' hospice.
Any
footballer who fits the bill or potential advertisers should contact
Patrick Lavelle at The Echo on 5017208 or (mobile) 0770 9668881.
Tickets for the Empire
Show, priced at £10 with concessions for OAP's and students, will go on
sale at the box office from February 1.
Return to Reviews
Index
