Theatre News

Graham Norton to present West End Bares

The presenter will be joined by stars including Beverley Knight

Beverley Knight and Graham Norton
Beverley Knight and Graham Norton

Graham Norton has been revealed as the host of the 2015 West End Bares concert, which will take place at the Café De Paris later this month.

Joining Norton will be Memphis star Beverley Knight, Ru Paul's Drag Race winner Bianca Del Rio, comedian Joe Lycett, Strictly Come Dancing stars Robin Windsor and Lisa Riley, cabaret stars Velma Celli and The Supreme Fabulettes, TOWIE star Charlie King, actor/presenter Andrew Hayden-Smith and actress Harriet Thorpe.

The show will also feature cast members from West End productions and music by Emmy award-winning composer and lyricist Lance Horne.

Now in its sixth year, the annual event – based on the original concept Broadway Bares by legendary Broadway and West End director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell – combines the naughtiness of burlesque along with the razzle dazzle of the West End.

Jerry Mitchell said, "This is the sixth incarnation of West End Bares and it's growing and growing and growing. The thing that's most important about the show and the Stripathon fundraising campaign is that it's an opportunity for the London theatre community to come together and make a difference.

"The money that's raised goes to help people living with HIV and AIDS and that's what's fabulous about the West End Bares and MAD Trust and the great work they do."

The show will feature cast members from West End productions including American Idiot, Cats, Gypsy, Memphis and Wicked, with choreography from the likes of Racky Plews (American Idiot), Mitch Leow (Miss Saigon) and Stuart Rogers (The Bodyguard).

West End Bares takes place at the Café De Paris on Sunday 20 September 2015, at 9.30pm and Midnight. Tickets are available from www.madtrust.org.uk.