UK CABARET SPECIAL REPORT
Registered charities and worthy causes in general long since latched onto the appeal of live shows and variety events to raise funds. A recent event in Cheshire typifies exactly how much show business can come to the rescue on a local level, as over £4,000 was raised during one evening at a hotel function room.
I have produced and appeared in many such events around the country over the years writes Mark Ritchie. I was approached by entertainment agent and charity fundraiser Barbara Brown to join a cast of stars, who were appearing in a variety show and raising funds for a local Hospice in the Runcorn area.
Funny lady Crissie Rock really is quite a character. This was my first time sharing the stage with this lady, who found fame in the ITV sit-com Benidorm.
Other artistes on the bill included chirpy Scouse comedian Jack Ryan who, along with my humble self, provided the stand-up comedy laughs on the night.
The brilliant brother and sister vocal duo, The Grahams and that high-end member of the tribute fraternity Buzz D’Angelo were also on tip-top form.
There were also appearances from the likes of The Aim, Andy Bayley and professional lookalike Andy Monk.
Glamorous chanteuse Sandi West came out of retirement for one night only and Dani Graham delivered her great Dolly Parton tribute. The Compere was a guy known as ‘Fast Eddie’ and this man really knows his business!
There are many such shows as this up and down the land and they are such a boon. More especially for Hospice organisations which receive no government funding.
