A spectacular evening of magic, dancing, singing and the skirl of the bagpipes is in store this weekend as a host of talented children take to the stage for The Archie Foundation Variety Show.
The cast is made up of youngsters who have all been supported either by The Archie Foundation or NHS Grampian.
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Final preparations and last-minute rehearsals are underway ahead of the inaugural show at Aberdeen’s Tivoli Theatre this Saturday night, May 4.
The Variety Show is being hosted by pantomime legend Alan McHugh, who has appeared in His Majesty’s Theatre’s annual panto since 2004, as well TV shows including Taggart, Limmy’s Show and Two Doors Down.
Sponsored by TEXO, the show is almost a sell-out, with just a handful of tickets available to watch the 16 acts, which celebrate the children’s unique talents and abilities.
The show’s ambassador – and one of its stars – is Izzy Noble (9) from Rosehearty, who has been undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).
Izzy is excited to be treading the boards on Saturday, when she will be singing in the show, supported by local band Glitz, which is providing the music for rehearsals and on the night.
“I am so excited about performing at the Tivoli, I can’t wait to get on such an amazing stage,” she said. “Performing and fundraising are two of my favourite things, so getting to do both at the same time is a dream come true!”
The Archie Foundation supported Izzy and her family during her stays in hospital, including providing accommodation for her mum and dad, Dee and Kris, allowing them to stay close by.
Cassie McGunnigle, fundraising manager at The Archie Foundation, said excitement is building ahead of Saturday’s event.
“We are counting down to Saturday and everyone is so incredibly excited and looking forward to performing! The children have been amazing and everyone who is coming to the show is in for a fantastic evening. They are so talented and committed to giving their very best.
“This is our first Variety Show and we hope to raise a lot of vital funds for The Archie Foundation, but the event is so much more – it gives the children the opportunity to take part in an unmissable experience.
“They have all been supported by The Archie Foundation or NHS Grampian through illness, injury or bereavement and it’s heart-warming to see how they have bonded as a group and are cheering each other on. We can’t wait to show the audience their talents!”
Visit www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/the-archie-foundation-variety-show to get the final tickets, priced at £15 for adults and £12 for children.