Popular performer and panto dame extraordinaire Christopher Biggins donned RAF uniform to promote the upcoming West End Heroes gala concert, supported (in both senses) by serving members of the armed forces.
Last year the show raised £78,243.01 for the Help For Heroes charity. Can this year raise even more to enable them to provide comprehensive support to those who have suffered life-changing injuries and illnesses after serving their country? A study in September 2014 by Help for Heroes and the Royal College of Psychiatrists found that 75,000 men and women may need long-term support following the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
To raise funds to help them, 2015 West End Heroes unites the country’s top military musicians with even more West End performers and productions than last year in what is being described as a dazzling showcase of show-stopping numbers, unlikely song mash-ups and stunning choreography and precision drilling.
Biggins, who will appear in this Aircraftwoman character among others in some big song and dance numbers promises a night of surprises, fun and jollity and some rather special flying sequences.
Confirmed to appear are the West End casts of Elf The Musical, Phantom of the Opera and Memphis, with appearances from Ben Forster, Bradley Jaden, Celinde Schoenmaker, Charlotte Jaconelli, El Ocho, Jamie Raven, Jessica Martin, Joe McGann, John Owen Jones, Jon Robyns, Kimberley Walsh, Maurillia Simpson, Mazz Murray and Rachel John.
There will also be support from Colchester Garrision Military Wives Choir, The Band of HM Royal Marines, The Band of The Queen’s Division and Ceremonial Fanfares. Returning to form the centrepiece of the gala and under the baton of Squadron Leader Piers Morrell will be The Central Band of the Royal Air Force, which incorporates the celebrated RAF Squadronaires Big Band.
West End Heroes is at the Dominion Theatre on Sunday 4 October at 7:30PM. Tickets start at £32.50.