Help for Heroes is a charity that provides better facilities for British servicemen and women who have been wounded or injured in the line of duty. The donations it receives are used for individual support, rehabilitation centres and its recovery programmes. David Pearson, general manager of the Dominion Theatre, states, "This is a truly unique event as it brings together the very best in West End entertainment in order to support a great cause. Every time we host the evening it simply grows in magnitude and we are extremely lucky that so many individuals and organisations, such as WL, are willing to donate their time and resources."
Similar to its role on last year's show, WL is once again sponsoring the lighting equipment for the occasion. This includes Clay Paky Sharpys, Vari*Lite VL1000AS ERS, PAR 64s and JB Lighting's VaryLED A7 Zooms. Tim Soden from Yellow Events, who is lighting designer for the show, comments, "As there is currently no production on at the Dominion Theatre, this meant there is no lighting rig hence we had to rely heavily on WL's equipment and recommendations. Fortunately I was able to specify my requirements for such a busy and varied show and they were able to provide me with a solution that matched my brief."
Jedd Hamilton, WL's hire manager, comments, "This is the second fundraising event we have worked on in a West End theatre this year, following on from the one-off TheatreMAD performance at the Criterion Theatre. We realise that, although we are donating equipment, these showcases are for really worthy causes and each production is performed to the highest standard - hence the equipment we supply must match this."
The line-up for this year's West End Heroes features the cast of ELF the Musical, Memphis and Phantom of the Opera. Also on stage will be one of the finest military bands in the UK, The Central Band of the Royal Air Force, supported by The Band of HM Royal Marines, The Band of the Army Air Corps and The Band of the Royal Corps of Signals. There will also be a special performance by the West End Heroes Dancers and the West End Heroes Choir, both of which consist of people working behind the scenes in the West End.
Last year the event raised a staggering £78,243.01 - a figure that organisers are hoping will be surpassed this year. David comments, "We are really excited for this year's West End Heroes event. The line-up is one of the biggest ever and we're really hoping to raise a significant amount for such an important charity. WL have been extremely supportive and helpful, not only this year but on previous occasions, and it's the understanding and generosity of organisations such as them which make events like this possible."
Tickets are available to purchase from www.westendheroes.com
(Jim Evans)
