SOME of the biggest names in show business are heading to Tyneside for a glittering, star studded theatre performance, in aid of one of the region’s leading charities.
Sting’s musical, The Last Ship, begins its three-week run at Newcastle’s Northern Stage next month (March), before embarking on a national tour.
And, on 20 March, Sting will be joined by a host of celebrities for a gala performance at the theatre, in aid of the Graham Wylie Foundation.
Joining Sting and his actress wife, Trudie Styler, on the red carpet will be some of the region’s best loved stars, including Denise Welch, Alan Shearer and Hairy Biker, Si King.
And golfer Lee Westwood – who is a patron of the Graham Wylie Foundation – presenter Jeremy Kyle, singer Joe McElderry, boxer Glenn McRory, Viz creator Simon Donald and Kaiser Chief members Ricky Wilson and Nick Baines have also confirmed they will coming to support the evening.
Those lucky enough to snap up the £250 exclusive tickets will also get to attend the after show party at Wylam Brewery, where Sting will be taking to the stage to perform.
The funds raised on the night will support the Newcastle-based charity which was formed to ‘help, inspire and educate children across the region.’
The charity is currently building the first Nordoff Robbins music therapy centre outside London, at the Matron’s Lodge of the former Fleming Hospital and is on track to open in the spring, so it can start delivering life transforming therapy.
“Music has been the most important part of my life, ever since I was a young boy growing up on Tyneside,” said Sting.
“I truly believe that access to music, in its many forms, can benefit and support everyone, giving them the chance to discover a life-long love.
“It’s great to see a music therapy centre coming to the North East funded by the Graham Wylie Foundation to support the important work of Nordoff Robbins.”
“I am incredibly grateful that some of the greatest talents this region has ever produced are giving up their time to attend the premiere and support the Foundation,” said Graham Wylie.
“It promises to be a spectacular night to rival anything the West End of London can offer in terms of glamour and I’m also very grateful to all those who have spent a great deal of money on their tickets for this special evening.
“We will ensure it is a night they will always remember.”
The musical tells the story of a group of North East shipyard workers who, faced with the closure of their yard, decide to build and launch their own great vessel and stars Emmerdale’s Charlie Hardwick, stage and screen actor Joe McGann and former Coronation Street actor Richard Fleeshman.
Although the majority of tickets for the gala evening are sold, a limited number are still available and can be booked via http://bit.ly/TheLastShipGWF
A proportion of the money raised on the night will also go to support FACT – Fighting All Cancers Together.