Theatre News

Galas: 24 Hour Stars, Mamma Helps Children

The line-up has been announced for this year’s 24 Hour Plays Celebrity Gala, which takes place at the Old Vic this Sunday (1 November 2009).

Actors confirmed to take part this year include: Jane Asher, Lorraine Burroughs, Eliot Cowan, Kerry Fox, William Houston, Haydn Gwynne, John Light, Nigel Lindsay, Art Malik, Sharon Maughan, Anna Maxwell-Martin, Kieran O’Brien, Andrew Scott, Ashley Walters and Ruth Wilson.

Hosted by Graham Norton, the event is an evening of never to be seen again performances with six short plays being conceived, written, cast, rehearsed and then performed in 24 hours.

The night, which is held to raise money for Old Vic New Voices, will also feature the work of writers and directors including Josie Rourke, Angus Jackson, Nick Moran, Chloe Moss and Amy Rosenthal.

Kevin Spacey commented: “The 24 Hour Plays always give audiences a rollercoaster ride of performances. It’s an electrifying experience at the theatre and I’m thrilled that so many great people have thrown their hats into the ring this year.”

For more info and tickets, visit www.oldvictheatre.com


The cast of Mamma Mia! will stage a special gala concert at the Prince of Wales Theatre on 18 November 2009 to raise money for Children in Need.

Hosting the evening will be BBC London 94.9FM radio presenters Paul Ross, JoAnne Good, Vanessa Feltz and Danny Baker. All money raised will go towards helping disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.

Global Producer Judy Craymer said: “Mamma Mia! has always been keen to support Children In Need in some form, so it’s fantastic that the charity can benefit from the revenue of this special performance.”

The Mamma Mia! cast currently features Sally Ann Triplett, Katy Secombe, Jane Gurnett and I’d Do Anything finalist Niamh Perry. All booking information can be found at bbc.co.uk/london or by calling 0844 482 5118.


In other gala news:

  • A star-studded evening of music, poetry and song is being held at London’s Cadogan Hall on 8 November to help Breast Cancer Campaign. The Pink Ribbon Gala Concert is organised by composer Debbie Wiseman, who will conduct the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to the sounds of Bach, Borodin, Britten, Holst and Tchaikovsky as well as Wiseman’s own film and TV compositions. Celebrity guests will include presenter Simon Bates, George Layton, Cherie Lunghi, Timothy West, Prunella Scales, and vocalist Mary Carewe. For tickets, visit www.cadoganhall.com or call 020 7730 4500.
  • Tom Hollander, Alan Rickman and Dominic West have joined the cast of John Mortimer at the Court… and later at the Bar, a tribute to the late playwright held at the Royal Court (of which he was chairman and president) on 15 November (See News, 22 Sep 2009). Curated by playwright Stephen Jeffreys, the evening will also features performances from actors including Sinead Cusack, Edward Fox, Jeremy Irons, Emily Mortimer and Harriet Walter. Proceeds will go to the Royal Court’s Writers Development Fund. For more info and tickets call 020 7565 5000.