A Waddle of Penguins from Santa’s South Pole home are chilling out after receiving a warm welcome in Newcastle from Lady Elsie Robson.
The realistic icy flightless birds were in town to announce that tickets for the eighth annual, celebrity Yuletide extravaganza; Christmas at the Cathedral are now on sale and a little bird mentioned that prices have been frozen from last years sell out show.
This year, the Christmas at the Cathedral concert will take place on Thursday, December 19 at St Nicholas Cathedral in Newcastle and, for the fourth year, funds will be raised for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation to help find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer.
Jonathan Wallis from Barnard Castle is once again organising the show which will see a host of celebrity stars perform songs, readings and comedy sketches all with a Christmas theme.
“This show is now an established part of Newcastle’s Christmas celebrations. It always sells out quickly and it’s a great way to start Christmas week by watching a top-quality show and knowing that you are helping such a worthwhile charity,” said Jonathan.
“The calibre of artists and entertainers is once again second to none and although we already have a number of celebrities lined up we never say who is coming until they walk out onto the stage.”
Stars such as Stephen Tompkinson, Tim Healy, Melanie Hill, Billy Mitchell, Chelsea Halfpenny, Charlie Hardwick, Denise Welch, Jimmy Nail, Melissa Cavagnah, Paul Smith, Rachel Unthank,Steffen Peddie, Viktoria Kay and The Mimic Men have all featured in previous shows.
State of the art lighting and sound systems will transform the cathedral into an atmospheric theatrical venue while huge TV screens will ensure that no one misses any of the action.
Ex Lindisfarne drummer Ray Laidlaw will once again produce the show and he is already looking forward to making sure that this years entertainment is bigger and better than ever.
“It’s always an honour to work with the cast in such a fantastic venue. Every year I look at what works well and what we can do to make things even better. I always enjoy the event and love to see the audience relaxing and enjoying the show.
“Christmas is about giving and remembering so what better way to spend a night enjoying the show and remembering the legend that was Sir Bobby Robson? It’s once again our privilege to raise funds for his charity and highlight the life saving work they do for those who need their help in our area.”
Lady Elsie says: “I look forward to this event every year and I’m grateful that the show’s in aid of our Foundation once again.
“Christmas at the Cathedral has become a wonderful festive tradition for me and lots of other people, too. The entertainment is always marvelous and the venue makes for a very special atmosphere.”
Sir Bobby Robson launched his Foundation in 2008 and it has gone on to raise over £13.5 million to find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer.
The work funded directly benefits cancer patients in the North East and Cumbria and plays a significant role in the international fight against the disease.
Working within the NHS, the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation does not employ professional fundraisers to proactively raise money and relies completely on third party, volunteer fundraisers and the incredible generosity of the general public.
Christmas at the Cathedral will take place on December 19
Doors 6.30pm, start 7pm
Standard £20, VIP £35 plus booking fees are now available from the Theatre Royal box office on 0844 811 2121.
Any companies wishing to support the event either through sponsorship or by VIP ticket packages, should email jonathan@jonathanwalliscs.co.uk
Ends
Photo shows: Lady Elsie Robson and event organiser Jonathan Wallis and the penquins at the Cathedral. (The Bigger Picture Agency)
Penguins kindly supplied by Dobbies Garden Centre, Gosforth Park
More information from:
Show press and media enquires – Keith Newman Highlights PR 07814 397951
Sir Bobby Robson Foundation press and media – Liz Lough Longstone PR
liz-luff@sky.com