‘A Night For Jennifer - West End' is a one-off charity gala concert in aid of Jennifer Charity, taking place at the Lyric Theatre - Shaftesbury Avenue, in the heart of London's West End on Monday 31st October 2011. Jennifer Charity was founded by James and Graham Edgington, father and son, following the death of Jennifer in 1985. Graham was left as a single parent of a 16 month old baby and not only did he have the pressure of bringing up James alone, he had to find his own time to grieve and work a full time job. Twenty-five years later James has extensively researched widowed fathers and was alarmed at the lack of supportive organisations aimed at widowers in particular. There are exceptional bereavement charities and organisations helping single parents often single mothers but nothing for men. James decided that he wanted to set up this charity as a support mechanism for widowed fathers and of course, importantly, the children affected by these circumstances.
‘A Night For Jennifer - West End' aims to raise awareness for this unique charity, as well as providing a high calibre, diverse evening of entertainment you won't want to miss. All profits raised will be going directly to the charity to enable them to continue supporting widowed fathers and their children.
Taking to the stage will be West End stars Sabrina Aloueche (We Will RockYou), Newley Aucutt (Priscilla - Queen of the Desert), Gina Beck (The Phantom of the Opera), Joseph Connor (Wicked, Flashdance), Chloe Hart (Hairspray), Jeremy Legat (Wicked), Stephen Oliver-Webb (Lend Me A Tenor), Sophia Ragavelas (Les Miserables, Mamma Mia!), Kayleigh Stephenson (We Will Rock You), Zee Asha (Taboo, Chicago), Nathan Taylor (Les Miserables, Martin Guerre, Miss Saigon) and will be joined by pop acts AJ, Celebrating the Carpenters and Vanity, Jennifer Charity director James Edgington and Father and Son (Britain's Got Talent). Celebrated singer/songwriter Chris Passey will be showcasing songs from his forthcoming debut album ‘Self Taught - Still Learning' performed by Chloe Hart and Nadine Cox (Wicked). Access All Arias (formed of Sarah Eyden, Sarah Ryan and West End stalwart Helen Hobson) a fresh new take on the girl band image, will also be bringing to life new versions of old favourites. Completing the We Will Rock You alumni, Mazz Murray, along with Gina Murray and Emma Kershaw will perform as part of new band ‘WOMAN' and Sister Mary McArthur will be gracing the stage with her critically acclaimed cabaret act, which has won her many celebrity fans throughout the years including Graham Norton.
We are also pleased to present The Jennifer Choir, a choir formed of the West End's finest voices (male and female), who will be present throughout the evening, accompanying many of the acts to add that special something that only a choir can. Further to this, the choir will be performing their own renditions of many well known pop and musical theatre favourites.
As well as the many celebrated acts previously listed, we are also keen to showcase up-and-coming talent, and in a special section of the evening newcomers Danny Lane and Charlotte Payne will be performing to show just why they are the ‘ones to watch' in the future.
Award-winning comedian and actor Tom Allen (The TNT Show, Big Brother's Big Mouth) will be leading the proceedings, bringing his unique and brilliant sense of humour as compere for the evening.
Produced by Chris Macklin (Popular! (Landor Theatre), Sondheim in Reverse), Musical Direction by Garry Jerry (Songs for a New World and assistant on Spring Awakening, Betwixt!) and Directed by Dawn Kalani Cowle (Godspell, Songs for a New World) you're advised to book early for this event as it's going to be one not to be missed.
Tickets cost from £13-£21 and are available via the shows website at www.anightforjennifer.co.uk or in person from the Lyric Theatre Box Office.
