Strictly star waltzes in to save charity concert
FAYE Tozer “stepped” in to save the day after a popular annual charity concert in Glasgow lost one of its main stars. Former Strictly Come Dancing pro dancer Joanne Clifton was due to perform at the Movies To Musicals show, which has been held every year in February since 2014 in the Royal Concert Hall and raises funds to help widen opportunities for young musicians.
However, the Rocky Horror Show musical theatre star was forced to pull out due to “work commitments”.
Glasgow Philharmonia, which organises the event, was delighted when last year’s Strictly star Faye Tozer averted a tragedy by agreeing to perform in the charity’s massive production, which is due to be held on February 21, next year.
The show, which is a celebration of hit West End musicals, will also feature A1’s Ben Adams and West End star Kerry Ellis, best known for playing Elphaba in the hit musical Wicked.
The orchestra was set up by 17-year-old Ross Gunning in 2012, who wanted to widen opportunities for young musicians in an “elitist” industry.
Over the years, more than 500 young musicians have been given the opportunity to perform in the show.
Some 200 musicians auditioned for 36 places to be in the Kids Cast for 2020, who will rehearse over the next few months and attend a residential course for four days to Ardentinny Outdoor Centre.
Ross said: “Having Faye Tozer as one of our guest artists for 2020 is very exciting. With Faye’s great performance ability as we have seen on Strictly and in various musicals, she is really going to add to our show.
“I have never been as excited as I am at the moment for one of our guest artists. I never thought in a million years when I started this orchestra in 2012 that we would be working alongside pop music stars such as Faye.”
The show will feature a 40-piece orchestra and musical theatre cast.
Movies To Musicals is also looking for school choirs in the Glasgow area to take part in the show and create a mass choir.
Tickets are available online from the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall box office, found at www.glasgowconcerthalls.com