STARS of TV and stage will be amongst the acts raising funds for disabled and disadvantaged children across the north-east at this year’s Smile For A Night Variety Show.
Impressionists The Mimic Men, who wowed the judges on Britain’s Got Talent 2016, will be joined by Hebburn star and comic Steffen Peddie and the north-east’s most talented magician Chris Cross at Tyne Theatre and Opera House on Sunday 1st October.
The event, which is set to be the biggest fundraiser to date for Smile For Life Children’s Charity, will also see Opera North Children’s Chorus and the Marron Theatre Arts group take to the stage, alongside charity patron Danny Adams and fellow panto legend Clive Webb.
Danny said: “This is our third year of hosting Smile For A Night and we have our strongest line-up yet with a great range of comics, singers, dancers and magic. It’s like Britain’s Got Talent, only better.
“I have no doubt we’ll be putting on the best Smile For A Night show we’ve ever done and I can’t wait to perform again in front of a full house to help such an amazing charity.
“I’m so proud to be a patron of Smile For Life, who help change the lives of so many disabled and disadvantaged young people across the north-east.
“When I go on stage my one goal is to make people smile, and that’s just what Smile For Life aim to do with the young people they help.
“So I am asking people to buy a ticket, come along, have a great time and support an amazing local charity who do so much for young people in our region.”
The launch of this year’s event comes after a sell-out 2016 show which saw more than £7,000 raised to go towards providing equipment and experiences for disabled and disadvantaged children and their families.
Cal Halbert, who makes up half of The Mimic Men alongside comedy partner Alfie Joey, said: “We love supporting charity wherever and whenever we can.
“Smile for Life is a fantastic charity that does some really incredible things with an incredible group of volunteers. So when we were asked, how could we refuse?!’
Comedian Steffen Peddie, who played Big Keith in the hit BBC2 sitcom Hebburn, can’t wait to entertain at this year’s show and support a fantastic cause.
The dad-of-four said: “This is a way for me to get involved with a fantastic charity that help make a visible difference to people in the north-east.
“Many people do not get the support that they need and it is up to wonderful charities like Smile For Life to provide it.
“I can’t wait to take part in what should be a fantastic event. It will be something you can bring the kids to, have a bit of fun and know your presence is having a positive impact on people’s lives too.”
Chris Cross, who performed a daring escape at Smile For A Night 2015, will be back, but this time will be wowing the audience with an array of magic tricks.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to performing at Smile For A Night once again. I’ll be performing a few magic tricks and having some fun with the audience. I love the Tyne Theatre too, it’s a great venue!”
Charity chief executive Paula Gascoigne added: “We are delighted to announce the return of our most successful fundraiser for its third year.
“Once again our patron Danny Adams will be hosting with his dad Clive, taking to the stage alongside some of the best talent the north-east has to offer.
“We raised over £7,000 for disabled and disadvantaged young people across the north-east last year, and we are hoping to smash that figure at this year’s event.
“As well as raising money, Smile For A Night gives young people with a range of disabilities to get involved on the night, whether it is backstage helping out or interacting with the audience inside the theatre.
“This is an affordable, family-friendly event that really can make a difference to so many people’s lives. We hope to see as many people there as possible.”
Tickets cost just £10 and are available at www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk and by calling 0844 2491 000.
Family tickets are £30 and groups of nine get a tenth free when bought together.