As anticipation builds for this weekend’s Sunday for Sammy, one of the event’s most vital creative forces is hard at work behind the scenes. Cathie Healy – who serves as both Stage Manager and Head of Costumes – is playing a pivotal role in bringing the much-loved North East variety spectacular to life.
Cathie has been involved with Sunday for Sammy almost from the very beginning. She first joined the team to help with costumes when the show was staged at Newcastle City Hall. Back then, the scale was modest in comparison, with around ten costumes per show.
As the event grew in popularity and moved to the Utilita Arena, so too did the scale and complexity of the production. Recognising her experience, commitment and meticulous eye for detail, Geoff Wonfor asked Cathie to step into the role of Stage Manager – a position she has now held for the last couple of shows, alongside continuing to oversee costumes.
This year’s production is the biggest yet from a wardrobe perspective. Cathie anticipates sourcing, creating and coordinating between 70 and 80 costumes in all shapes and sizes. The wardrobe requirements range from detailed period pieces – which must be carefully sourced – to items that can be bought, adapted or made from scratch.
“It’s a real mix,” Cathie explains. “Some costumes need to be historically accurate, while others can be more creatively adapted. It’s about making everything work visually on a large arena stage.”
For the past three weeks, she has been working tirelessly – juggling costuming, stage management planning and production meetings. Her dual role means she is deeply involved in every layer of the show’s organisation.
As Stage Manager, Cathie plays a central role in the planning process. She works from rehearsal schedules and running orders, which are continually evolving – sometimes reaching version 20 by the time the show goes live. Once plans begin to settle, she meticulously marks up costume changes, set changes, artist entrances and exits, positions on stage, and the number of performers in each scene.
Another major challenge is ensuring smooth transitions. Cathie carefully plans how sets can be changed between scenes efficiently and discreetly, keeping the pace of the show seamless for the audience.
“It’s like a giant puzzle,” she says. “You’re constantly working out how to move people and pieces around without anyone noticing the mechanics behind it.”
After weeks of preparation, the final stage begins on Saturday when Cathie steps onto the arena floor to start rehearsals in the space itself – where all the detailed planning is put into practice. Cathie has a great deal of confidence in the team behind her including Liz Johnson and Bessie Williams who together ensure that everyone gets the right costume at the right time.
Her dedication reflects the spirit of Sunday for Sammy – a show built on collaboration, community and a shared commitment to celebrating North East talent. While audiences see the sparkle under the lights, it’s the expertise and passion of people like Cathie Healy backstage that make the magic possible.
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Tickets : www.utilitaarena.co.uk/events/detail/sunday-for-sammy
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Photo: Cathie with some of the costumes
Photo: Bessie Willaims, Cathie Healy and Liz Johnson (Highlights PR)
Sunday for Sammy’s Partners are:
Social Plus NE
Maldron Hotel
Parkers Chauffeurs
WATA
Gateshead College
Highlights PR
Your Business Pilot
Made to Treasure
Gorilla Media Ltd.
Community Foundation NE
North East Combined Authority
Titan Spirits
Lines Behind
Tyneside Cinema
Newcastle Utilita Arena
Supporters
ITV Studios
Newcastle Building Society
Great Run Company
Events of the North
Start Fitness
Gateshead Council
Newcastle City Council
Newcastle Eagles
Generator
LUMO
LNER
The Esh Group
Taylor Woodrow
Montane
Greggs
Alexander Millar
Luxe Magazine
This is the North
Create Intrigue
Northern Insight Magazine
Low Lights Tavern
PBL
Premier Coaches
Graham Orrell
NE Display
All Your Yesterdays Antiques
Auf Wiedersehen Pet Official Fan Site
Industrial Workwear
The Exchange 1856
Cultured North East
Kelly Rickard
Ed Waugh
NE Comedy Hall of Fame
Paul Innes Magic
The Bigger Picture
Living North Magazine
Steve Brock Photography
Barry’s Fruit and Veg
Styled & Seated
Dave Dent Printers
Born Good
Shadbolt Group PR and Media keitH@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951 PR and media keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951