It’s back... and it’s bigger than it’s ever been
SUNDAY FOR SAMMY SET TO BE ENORMOUS SUCCESS... BY BARBARA HODGSON
TYNESIDE favourite Sunday for Sammy has proved a sell-out success in its new home, say organisers.
This year sees the annual event - the Geordie Command Performance move from Newcastle City Hall to a new, far bigger, home at Metro Radio Arena - and the move has paid off.
Tickets for the fundraiser’s double date on February 18 have been snapped up - but there is still hope for those who have missed out.
Over it 18-year history, Sunday for Sammy has become a fast sell-out despite audiences never knowing who will be on the bill.
They do know, however, to expect a host of North East stars and are never disappointed, with its music and comedy bill showcasing famous faces.
And, along the way, the biennial success story has raised a huge amount of funds to help support the next generation of promising local performers with training, expenses and equipment.
This February 18’s two performances - afternoon and evening - have sold out and Sunday for Sammy producer Ray Laidlaw said: “The Arena has seen steady, sustained sales after an initial rush for the best seats in the house.
“It’s a fantastic venue for Sunday for Sammy. Everything is bigger allowing us more flexibility with sets, lighting, effects and the show content itself.
“We sold thousands of tickets within the first few days but having more tickets available has meant that it has taken us a little longer to announce our soldout status.”
Now they’ve got there and he promises that this year’s treat will be “the biggest and best show yet”.
The names of those on the bill are always kept under wraps to ensure surprises for the audience and Ray said: “We’ve got a show packed with familiar famous Geordie faces and a whole host of celebrity guests who are megaexcited to be doing ‘Sammy’ for the first time. I daren’t say anything else but they’re all very keen to get cracking.
“I was finalising the cast line up a few days ago and it occurred to me this year we have over 20 new faces in the 88-strong cast who have never appeared in a ‘Sammy’ show before.”
He added: “We have some really funny new sketches including one written by close friends of the show, Ian La Frenais and Dick Clement - writers of Auf Wiedersehen Pet and Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads.”
And he said there may yet be tickets made available, once it has been established exactly how much space is kept back for production crews.
“We’re in the final stages of production, finalising technical positions for the camera crew and special effects team,” he said.
“So as soon as the telly lads have hatched their plans - and we’ll do our best to hurry them up, I promise - we could have as many as 60 new seats with cracking views.”