The organisers behind the annual cheeky fundraiser have taken everything off to see the Wizard, unveiling this year’s theme as West End Bares: Ruby Strippers.
Now in its eighth year, West End Bares are promising an evening of Lions and Tigers and Bares (oh my!) at the Novello Theatre on Sunday 29 October, performing at 7pm and 9.30pm to raise funds for the The Make A Difference Trust.
The much-loved characters of Oz will be portrayed like never before as over 100 performers from the West End stage and beyond – plus an array of celebrity hosts – will be taking to the stage to combine burlesque with board-treading.
Opening the show in style, Olivier Award winner Rebecca Trehearn (Showboat, City of Angels, Ghost), will perform a brand-new track written for the occasion by Mark Anderson (The Book Of Mormon, Legally Blonde) and Luke di Somma (21 Chump Street).
This year’s production will be directed by David Grewcock with choreography from Racky Plews (American Idiot), Ashley Nottingham (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Will Lucas (Cats, Wicked), Joanna Goodwin (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Sunset Boulevard), Aaron Renfree (X Factor), Simone Mistry-Palmer (Motown The Musical), Jaye Elster (Singin’ In The Rain, Half A Sixpence), Ashley Jordan-Packer (Cats, Thriller Live), Fletcher Dobinson (Cats, West Side Story), Chris Whittaker (Judy!), and James Wilson (Strictly Come Dancing, The Voice).
Award winning director and choreographer, Jerry Mitchell, creator of the original concept ‘Broadway Bares’, said: “I can’t wait to see the eighth edition of West End Bares in London and what a perfect theme to go full out and celebrate life.”
“We need to keep up the fight against HIV and AIDS, and by doing what we love or by buying a ticket and supporting this incredible night, you can be part of something huge that will change people’s lives – and you get to watch the hottest dancers in London strip, so it’s a no brainer!”
Melanie Tranter, Co-Founder, Chair and Trustee of The Make A Difference Trust said: “Who can resist an amazing night of witches, lions and scarecrows combined with the magic that is West End Bares? I can’t believe that this is the eighth year of this amazing show.”
The Make A Difference Trust is a UK based charity with a vision of a world free from HIV and AIDS. Building on the legacy of 25 years of fundraising by the Theatre industry, they continue to make the vision a reality having distributed over £1.6million in grants to support individuals experiencing hardship across the UK as well as over £1million to support projects with their UK and international partners.
Tickets for the event are now on sale, and are priced at £15 – £100.