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THE RUNNING TOTAL RAISED BY AARON FOR THE MAKE A DIFFERENCE TRUST ON VIRGIN MONEY GIVING IS A FANTASTIC £2,496.20 THANKS AARON RENFREE!

Hello everyone and thank you for visiting my page. Yes you heard right I’m doing this year’s London Marathon and I would be ever so grateful if you could sponsor me and donate for such a great cause.

The Make A Difference Trust is a charity that means a lot to me especially being affiliated with performers, I’ve been raising money for them for the past 7 years, choreographing and taking part in West End Bares & West End Eurovision and this year I’m taking my personal contribution to the next level. I’m also 30 this year and wanted to do something special and what better way than to take part in such an iconic event and run on behalf of my closest charity.

The MAD Trust is a UK based charity with over 25 years of fundraising by the theatre industry. The raised funds go to HIV and AIDS projects that build awareness and provide care, support and education in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.

I’m so up for this challenge and ready to raise as much as i can to help this worthwhile cause.
I really appreciate all your support and thank you for any donations.

Love Aaron Renfree X”

Aaron was once a member of the pop group S Club 8 (formerly known as S Club Juniors), they achieved 6 top ten hit singles and 2 top ten albums, the first of which went platinum. They were winners of the Disney Channel Awards for Best Newcomers and nominated for Record of the Year 2002 for ‘One Step Closer’. They played at the Queens Golden Jubilee, Prom in the Park, The Royal Albert Hall and Children in Need as well as regular performances on TV shows. In 2003 they embarked on their own sell-out UK tour S Club United performing in front of a total of over 200,000 people. The band then went on to have their own hit TV series on BBC called “I Dream” that was filmed in Barcelona. After the bands success, Aaron went back to college and trained at Laine Theatre Arts where he graduated with a National Diploma in Musical Theatre.

He then went on to become a part of the original cast of ‘Flashdance’ the Musical which toured the UK in 2008/09 followed by his west end debut in ‘We Will Rock You’ 09/10

His dance career then furthered as he started dancing commercially working with the likes of Taylor Swift, Little Mix, Kylie Minogue, Sean Paul, Take That, Fleur East, Olly Murs, JLS, Alexandra Burke, Kimberly Wyatt & Adam Garcia. Plus TV shows such as X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, The Voice, The Brits and Royal Variety.

Aaron is also very passionate about choreography and has worked with The Saturdays and on X Factor Tours where he was also assistant show director. Aaron has choreographed the Professionals On Ice tour the last couple of years which lead him onto woking with Torvil & Dean in Panto.

Most recently Aaron became the head of MF DANCE – one of the UK’s largest dance organisations that has thousands of students ranging in age from 2 to 60. Aaron is keen to spread the word and introduce MF DANCE to more aspiring dancers across the UK as well as teaching at the schools and choreographing the curriculum.  Whether students wish to pursue a professional career, or learn a new hobby, MF DANCE helps them discover skills they never dreamed possible, there are also exams and assessments for those who wish to take them. The dance classes are professionally structured to build confidence, fitness and discipline in a fun-filled environment with highly trained instructors.

Join Gary Williams and friends from the West End for this special benefit concert, with all proceeds going to the Theatre MAD – The Make A Difference Trust.

The friends from the West End helping Gary give you a night to remember will be Tracey Shield, Joe Stilgoe, Sarah Eyden, Bounder & Cad, Greg Scott, Lynn Ruth Miller & Glenn Macnamara

Gary Williams is a singer, writer and broadcaster described by the London Evening Standard as “the UK’s leading standard-bearer for the supercool era”. He starred in the West End’s Rat Pack, has recorded eight albums and wrote ‘Cabaret Secrets’, a book on stagecraft called “an invaluable guide” by Playbill.

Tracey Shield is a Singer Songwriter Originally from Coventry. She is currently performing her own show ‘An Evening with Celine Dion’ on some of the world’s largest cruise ships all over the world, and has just finished writing her 3rd Studio Album ‘Found’ released later this year.

Joe Stilgoe is an internationally acclaimed singer, pianist and songwriter described by the Scotsman as a “sheer joy”. He’s appeared in jazz clubs from New York to Berlin to Kuala Lumpur, including sell-out runs at legendary London venue Ronnie Scott’s. He has appeared as featured soloist with orchestras, including the BBC Concert Orchestra, John Wilson Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Northern Sinfonia, Lahti Symphony, and the RTE Orchestra in Dublin.

Bounder and Cad are the musical comedy duo whose mischievous lyrics 10 Downing St tried to censor… until their jazzy tunes had the PM dancing. They have entertained two princes, two PMs, and been hailed for their “laser sharp wit”.

Lynn Ruth Miller has been dubbed the new Joan Rivers of Fringe Comedy at The Edinburgh International Fringe. She is a regular at the San Francisco Punchline, The Stand in Scotland and The International in Dublin and at 83 is proving that aging has been amazing. Time Our said, ‘Miller is a personable and charming presence onstage, with generations of wit and experience….’

Greg Scott is a the violin showman, who has performed with Bryan Ferry, kd Lang and as a soloist with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Greg’s debut album “DUEL” reached Number 1 in the UK Classical Charts.

Sarah Eyden was first soprano with The Swingle Singers enjoying international concert touring and five album recordings. Toured Europe and USA with Steve Reich & Musicians, and performed as a soloist with the Syd Lawrence Orchestra and classical ensembles throughout Europe. Sarah is currently a member of Access All Arias, a three part harmony girl group.

Glenn Macnamara was described by Timeout as “The UK’s finest swing singer”. He’s performed with The Len Philips Big Band, The Mike Richards Big Band, for The Duke and Duchess of Wessex at Hampton Court Palace and played Frank Sinatra in The Rat Pack in Dublin. The Guardian described his as an “amazing young talent.”

About PizzaExpress Live
Live music has always been an important part of PizzaExpress. Founder Peter Boizot was a jazz lover and constantly sought ways to include music in his restaurants, whether at PizzaExpress branches from the late 1960s, and at his other ventures Pizza on the Park and Kettner’s from the 1970s. The flagship venue at 10 Dean Street, London has hosted internationally acclaimed music since its first ticketed shows in May 1976.

A selective list of artists we have worked with over the years includes Gregory Porter, Benny Carter, Amy Winehouse, Brad Mehldau, Bill Wyman, Bud Freeman, Monty Alexander, Jamie Cullum, Brian May, Rick Wakeman, Milt Hinton, Van Morrison, Barry Harris, Cybill Shepherd, Melody Gardot, Steve Ross, Art Farmer, Diana Krall, e.s.t., Larry Carlton, Buddy Tate, George Shearing, Adelaide Hall, Benny Waters, Charlie Watts, Mose Allison, Anita O’Day, Doc Cheatham, GoGo Penguin, and many more

PizzaExpress Live is made up of a small team of experienced music industry professionals, always seeking to present the highest quality music in intimate venues – all topped off with great pizza!

More About Gary Williams Described as “old school virtuosity,” by Time Out, star of the West End’s ‘Rat Pack’ Gary Williams celebrates some of Hollywood’s greatest musical moments. Dipping into pop, bossa nova and swing ‘At The Movies’ relives classic Hollywood moments from Mary Poppins, Love Actually, Toy Story, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, the Jungle Book and Elvis Presley’s Viva Las Vegas. ‘At the Movies’ spans Hollywood music from the 1930s through to the 70s including the hits of Fred Astaire, Stevie Wonder, the Bee Gees, Joni Mitchell, Louis Armstrong, Peggy Lee and Walt Disney. The London Evening Standard described Gary as “the UKs leading standard bearer for the super-cool era” and Oscar winning composer Don Black said, “In a world of Pop Idol mediocrity Gary Williams shines like a dazzling beacon.”

Singer, broadcaster and author Gary Williams has been described as “a true song stylist” by London What’s On and “the UK’s leading standard bearer for the supercool era” by the London Evening Standard. The star of the West End’s “Rat Pack” is a favourite with big bands and concert orchestras throughout the world, from the BBC Concert Orchestra to the Melbourne Symphony. As a broadcaster he’s presented and written shows for BBC Radio 2, Jazz FM and The Wireless where he hosts the weekly show: Legends of Las Vegas. His book on stagecraft has been described as “an invaluable guide” by Playbill.

Gary is the recipient the Outstanding Support Award from children’s charity When You Wish Upon A Star and was recently given the RNLI’s Bronze Award. In recognition of his work for the Caron Keating Foundation he was invited by the Prime Minister to Downing Street.

In 2017 Gary was profiled in the Sunday Times’ Fame and Fortune section.

He’s recorded for the Reader’s Digest ‘Timeless Classics’ series, with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia for ‘What A Carry On’, the Syd Lawrence Orchestra and ten solo albums. ‘Gary Williams Meet Frank Sinatra’ was Jazz FM’s Album of the Week and has been released in Japan along with ‘Let There Be Love – A tribute to Nat King Cole’. He’s recorded three albums at London’s Abbey Road studios, a live album in Brazil, and a big band Christmas album ‘Big Band Wonderland’. His albums prompted Oscar winning lyricist Don Black to say “In a world of Pop Idol mediocrity Gary Williams shines like a dazzling beacon.”

“Gary was terrific. Lovely voice, yes, but a wonderful sense of humour too and he made everyone in the room feel special… It’s a brilliant example of how cabaret should be done.”
Debra Craine from The Times

 

What a joy! Leaving behind the doom and gloom of a storm driven November evening, London’s Charing Cross Theatre played host to its ‘partially staged Gala performance’ of Seth Rudetsky and Jack Plotnick’s Disaster, a spoof which has enjoyed Broadway success and has traveled over the pond to make its debut performance here in London. The recommendation was that the audience should ‘prepare to die laughing’ and indeed laughter rang out loudly in this small but intimate venue.

Published by: Elaine Pinkus on 21st Nov 2016

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I don’t normally make proclamations about musicals I’m reviewing before the review has been filed. But safe to say that Disaster!, a loving spoof of both 1970s disaster movies and jukebox musicals that shoehorn songs into the most barely appropriate of places, is a winner. Such a shame that there’s only one more charity performance in aid of the MAD Trust to go this evening. I’m sure a canny producer will snap it up for the longer run it deserves.

From Scott Matthewmnan reviewing for MUSICAL THEATRE REVIEW

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Rehearsals for the musical comedy spoof DISASTER! are underway in London and we are pleased to bring you this great set of images from Jamie Scott Smith.

DISASTER! the 2016 Broadway musical that spoofs star-studded1970s jeopardy movies like The Poseidon Adventure, Earthquake and Airport, will premiere at Charing Cross Theatre for two glittering gala concert charity performances to raise funds for The Make a Difference Trust on Sunday 20 November.

It’s 1979 and New York’s hottest A-listers are lining up for the opening of a floating casino and discotheque. But what begins as a night of boogie fever quickly changes to panic as the ship succumbs to multiple disasters, such as earthquakes, tidal waves and infernos. As the night turns into day, everyone struggles to survive and, quite possibly, repair the love they’ve lost…or at least escape the killer rats! Set in the wildest decade ever, DISASTER! is packed with unforgettable 70s dance floor hits including “I Will Survive”, “Knock On Wood,” “Hooked On A Feeling,” “Sky High,” “I Am Woman” and “Hot Stuff”.

The cast includes Jennifer Simard, Seth Rudetsky, Simon Lipkin, Oliver Tompsett, Sally Ann Triplett, Jodie Jacobs, Alice Fearn, Sandra Marvin, Bradley Riches, Mark Anderson, Paul Grunbert, Ruthie Stephens, Chris Warner, Rachel Grundy, Hayley Jones, Sam Lathwood, Will Luckett, Anthony Starr
and Katie Warsop.

By Douglas Mayo on 16th November 2016

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I just wish there were more stars to award a show. This is worth at least seven and a half. It was only on for two performances and though the director gave them all scripts to read from, the actors – mostly West End feature players – insisted on learning the roles and performing them with all props and costumes etc. The stage staff also joined in, doing the lighting, the costumes etc all for nothing.
This was a charity show in aid of MAD – Make a Difference and it is mostly to raise funds for victims of Aids or HIV so it was a good cause, but it was not only the cause that made the actors and staff so keen to work on the show. It is because it is simply bloody brilliant.
It is a spoof on disaster movies and it is hysterically funny from beginning to end. The cast is amazing. They play it as if they have been properly rehearsed, choreographed and directed for weeks. Certainly they have been rehearsing, but Sunday afternoon was the first time thay had actually done it together.

Most especially Jennifer Simard who plays the – nearly guitar playing – nun called Sister throughout. Sister is not only obsessed with gambling but so madly in love with a one armed bandits that she embraces them like a lover. She played the role on the Broadway version and made the trip over here just to perform it again.

 

Simon Lipkin who is pratically Mr West End these days plays the ridiculous nasty villain, especially funny when approached by a blind girl, and pretends not to see her. She has been blinded by the Earthquake, only one of the manhy disasters that befall this helpless cast. They start on a Shipboard Casino and encounter Shipwreck, Volcano, Earthquake, tidal wave, Piranha fish and sharks. It’s a wonder any of them survive – well most of them do. Sally Ann Triplett plays Shirley a woman who is dying of some unknown disease that produces crazy physical symptoms one by one. She eventually expires doing a mad tap dance in order to save the hero and heroine from a tidal wave – but how can a tap dance…? don’t ask!

When I first saw Seth doing his Deconstructing Broadway show I thought maybe we just had the same sense of humour. Judging from the audience response to DISASTER, everyone has the same funny bone.

I – and all the other people who witnessed these shows hope desperately that it will be restaged here at our dear little Charing Cross Theatre which fits it so admirably.

By Aline Waites

 

 

A magical night of music for the child in all of us celebrating everyone’s favourite mouse. Featuring West End performers including Lizzy Connolly (Mrs Henderson presents), Georgina Hagen (Groundhog Day), Emma Lindars (Made in Dagenham), Eva Noblezada (Miss Saigon), Joe Aaron Reid (In The Heights), Charlotte Riby (Priscilla), Rhys Taylor (Book of Mormon) & Michael Vinsen (Kinky Boots)*

Further performers to be announced.

Under the Musical Direction of Kris Rawlinson (West End Switched Off) West End Animated promises to be the Happiest Cabaret on earth. So be our guest as we sprinkle a little bit of pixie dust over the West End.

Ticket sales from West End Fest at the Actors Church, Covent Garden on 15 May 2016, raised £1,960 for MAD Trust. In the show, produced by Sabrina Aloueche and presented by Dean McCullough and Kieran Brown, a host of West End performers embraced the theme of ‘Icons: Your Own Spin’ by performing songs by their musical icons but with their own personal twist.

Robin Winsdor, Star of Strictly Come dancing, will be taking a one hour ballroom dance class as a charity event to raise money for TheatreMAD – The make a Difference Trust.
The class is for same sex and mixed couples and is aimed at people new to ballroom dancing who would like to take their first lesson.

View/Download the Bares 2016 Souvenir Programme Here

West End Eurovision 2012

West End Eurovision 2013

West End Eurovision 2014