Tim Rice hosts an evening to remember at Sage Gateshead and raises over £70,000 for charity

A major fundraising concert to support the tremendous work of Maggie’s Newcastle and Sage Gateshead and sponsored by Benfield Motor Group was an incredible success raising over £70,000 for charity. ‘An Evening with Tim Rice & Friends’ at Sage Gateshead on 8^th October was a sell-out and received rave reviews from the audience and critics alike. The event was more remarkable as it was the first time that the two charities had worked together, raising over £70,000 for Maggie’s and North Music Trust.  The collaboration was a fantastic learning experience, with the two organisations using their expertise to deliver the fundraising event.  Proceeds will contribute to work and activities that will help those affected by cancer and enrich life through music. Oscar, Golden Globe, Tony and Grammy Award winning lyricist and author Tim Rice charmed the audience narrating stories from his life and career, with his songs being performed live by a star-studded cast of performers and artistes from London’s West End, accompanied by Royal Northern Sinfonia. The repertoire for the concert featured many of Tim Rice’s best loved songs from Joseph, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Chess, The Lion King and From Here to Eternity.  Performers included Rick Wakeman, who with Tim Rice delighted the audience with a duet of Elvis’ ‘Teddy Bear’; jazz singer Clare Teal gave a hugely powerful delivery of ‘All Time High’, Tim Rice’s Bond film theme for Octopussy; Madalena Alberto a fabulous rendition of ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina’, whilst Simon Bailey captivated the audience with ‘Anthem’ from Chess amongst other numbers and Darius Campbell rapturously closed the evening with ‘Circle of Life’ from The Lion King.  Other stunning performances came from 15 year old rising star Emmie Beckitt, Kerry Ellis, James Fox, Siubhan Harrison and Joe Stilgoe, with local stars Stuart Brayson, Alice Stokoe and Kathryn Tickell.  Young people from Enter CIC, the Ferryhill-based performing arts company also took to the stage magnificently (with soloists Ben Richardson and Dane Clements fronting ‘A Winter’s Tale’) together with students from Music Durham who, with the Inspiration Choir, wowed the crowds on the concourse. Carolyn Ramsbotham, Event Organiser and Maggie’s Fundraising Board Member said:  “We are hugely grateful to Tim Rice and the performers for giving of their time for this event, for the benefit of the two charities. It was an unforgettable evening, bringing together so many people from across the North East in support of Maggie’s and North Music Trust at Sage Gateshead.” Abigail Pogson, General Director, Sage Gateshead added: “It was a joy to host such a memorable event with so many highly talented performers bringing to life the renowned songs of Tim Rice.  I am delighted that as two very different charities we worked together so effectively and with a common goal, and generated significant sums that will support both our very deserving causes.” Maggie’s Centres are safe havens, providing free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their families and friends.  Maggie’s relies on donations and fundraising events such as ‘An Evening with Tim Rice & Friends’ to keep their doors open.  Maggie’s Centre for the North East is located in the grounds of the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. One of the UK’s leading cultural organisations, Sage Gateshead aims to inspire in people of all ages the love of music and to give them the confidence and opportunities to become involved in music throughout their lives.  Sage Gateshead’s Learning and Participation team works across the North East and beyond offering activities for all ages, backgrounds and abilities, supporting social inclusion and educational attainment and enabling engagement. Maggie’s and Sage Gateshead thank all of those who attended and were involved with the event for their generous support.