Playing Our Part: Gina Beck, Louise Dearman and more talk about Comic Relief concert

Whether its bathing in beans or wearing a silly red nose, we all like to do our bit for Red Nose Day and West End stars are no exception. On Sunday 1st March, performers including Gina Beck, Louise Dearman and Killian Donnelly will unite for an evening of musical theatre.

The line up also includes Simon Bailey, Wendy Ferguson, Chloe Hart, Chris Howell, Adam Linstead, Laura Jane Matthewson, Jamie Muscato, Nadim Naaman, Steph Parry, Laura Pitt-Pullford, Jeremy Secomb and Laura Tebbutt.

Taking place at the prestigious Cadogan Hall, the event follows last year’s inaugural Playing Our Part charity concert, which raised over £63,000 for Target Ovarian Cancer.

Directed and produced by Nadim Naaman and featuring an orchestra of twenty-plus, conducted by Alex Parker, special guests, and a team of fifteen stunning vocalists including, all proceeds will go to Comic Relief.

We caught up with some of the show's cast to find out why they are taking part.

Why are you taking part in Playing our Part?

Gina Beck: I wanted to take part last year but I was busy, so I jumped at the chance this time around. I know how successful last year’s was and wanted to help raise money for an amazing cause.
Chris Howell: To have fun with lots of friends, sing fantastic songs with a brilliant orchestra and makes lots of money for a worthy cause.
Jeremy Secomb: To be able to give something back. It’s nice to be in a position where we can raise funds for various charities by doing things like this.
Steph Parry: Not only is it a night of raising money for a fantastic cause, but I imagine it's going to be pretty fun too!
Adam Linstead: I jumped at the chance to be part of such an exciting concert for such a worthy cause.
Louise Dearman: It's obviously going to be a wonderful concert; I know lots of the other performers, so it will be great to all get together, have a catch up and sing a lovely range of genres. Singing with an orchestra is always a real treat as well. But the main reason is, of course, that it's all for Red Nose Day and Comic Relief. To help raise funds and awareness for such a fantastic charity, that helps to better and change so many lives, is what really drew me in.
Wendy Ferguson: I couldn't turn down the opportunity to work with such an amazing bunch of people, performing a wonderful programme of songs at one of London's best concert venues all the while attempting to raise money for Comic Relief! Last year's concert was inspirational and very emotional, and I'm delighted to be back for a second year.

Why should people come along?

GB: Well, take a look at the line up and there are all the reasons you need. Some of the best and brightest talent that the West End has to offer, under one roof, with a fantastic orchestra accompanying them.
CH: I am unsure you will see such an accomplished line up of Musical Theatre performers anywhere else in town. Also, having looked at the set-list there are some not-to-be-missed corkers being sung.
JS: It’s a great line up of West End performers, but also, it’s so nice to be able to see these people sing songs that you wouldn’t usually hear them sing, and with a lovely orchestra as well.
SP: To be entertained by a fantastic bunch of performers whilst safe in the knowledge that you're supporting a fantastic charity.
AL: Where should I start? The Playing Our Part line up is insane! And having seen a draft of the set-list I can say that you won't be disappointed. It's going to be an evening of great songs, fantastic singing and lots of laughs. In fact, why are you still reading this? Go and book your ticket!
LD: Playing Our Part has such a great line up of performers, a fabulous set-list, live orchestra and is all in aid of Comic Relief, what more is there to say?! Grab a ticket, have fun and do your bit.
WF: I've seen the set list for the concert, it's pretty wonderful! I can't wait!

What would be your ideal role to play in the theatre?

CH: I have many ideal roles that I would still like to play, and will not jinx anything by revealing what they are! I think as long as I keep working, and the work makes me happy, that is an ideal in itself.
JS: I don’t know if there is an ideal role… But there are certainly roles I’d like to play. I’d love to play Miss Trunchbull in Matilda. What great fun that would be.
SP: One day I'd like to play Mrs. Johnstone in Blood Brothers. Hopefully it's a few years off – I'd like to think I'm still a bit too young!
AL: I'd love to play the Phantom of The Opera. And Herod in JCS. And Sweeney Todd… Too many!
LD: I have to be honest, I have been lucky enough to have played so many roles I dreamt of playing whilst I was growing up and training, but I'd love to move into straight acting in a play or television – that would be a challenge.
WF: I think it was Woody Allen who said 'If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans' so my life long dream of playing Mrs Lovett must give him a right laugh every time I say it, but that is always my answer to that question!

What is your favourite theatre joke?

CH: How many actors does it take to change a lightbulb? All of them. One to do it and the rest to talk about how much better they would have done it.
SP: I can tell you the one I did for my Billy Elliot audition. What do Star Trek and toilet paper have in common? They both circle Uranus looking for Black holes! How I got that job, I don't know!
AL: I told my mum I was opening a Theatre. She said "Are you having me on?!" I said, "Well I'll give you an audition, but I'm not promising you anything."
LD: Ooh, I don't know one?! #awkward
WF: Hmmmm…..what's the difference between a soprano and a terrorist?? You can negotiate with a terrorist!!! (Hey….I'm a soprano….And a bit of a diva at heart)

Playing Our Part takes place on Sunday 1st March at Cadogan Hall. For more information and to book tickets, click here.