The annual variety show raising money in memory of Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry will take to The Fire Station stage in Sunderland for the first time this weekend.
The eighth Chloe & Liam Together Forever Trust Variety Show will bring together young performers and established professionals for an evening of dance, music and acrobatics on Sunday, October 4.
Among those appearing will be dancer and stunt performer Jazz Peters, whose credits include Aladdin, Cats and Beauty and the Beast, as well as performances alongside 50 Cent and Dua Lipa.
Davey Hopper, who has previously performed as Pumbaa in Disneyland Paris’ stage production of The Lion King as well as being a favourite fixture for many years in The Customs House’s pantomime, will compere the show.
They will be joined by young performers who have received bursaries from the Trust, with some appearing on a stage of this size for the first time.
The charity was established in 2017 by the families of Chloe, 17, and Liam, 19, who were killed in the Manchester Arena bombing on May 22 that year.
It provides bursaries to help young people take part in sport and the performing arts, including support for singing and music lessons.
Chloe’s mother Lisa Rutherford, a founding trustee, said the annual show had continued to grow since the charity was established.
“We set the charity up in 2017 after I lost my daughter Chloe, along with her boyfriend Liam, in the Manchester Arena attack. People were very supportive and wanted to give us funds, and we thought this would be a great lasting legacy for the kids.
“The show has got bigger and bigger every year; this is our first at The Fire Station, and I’m really excited. There’s truly something on offer for everyone, whether you like dance, music, or acrobatics. It’s a real feel-good show, so please come along and support us.”
Every penny raised through ticket sales will go towards the Trust’s bursary programme.
Rhys McKinnell, CEO of Culture Quarter, which operates The Fire Station, said: “We’re honoured to welcome the Chloe & Liam Together Forever Trust to The Fire Station for the first time.
“Giving local talent a stage to shine on is at the heart of what we do here, and it’s especially meaningful to be hosting a show where young performers from our own community will share the spotlight with fantastic talent.”
Sunday’s show starts at 6pm (Oct 4), with doors opening at 5.30pm. Tickets cost £16 and under-14s must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets and further information from The Fire Station