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'Drumming And Strumming' - Famous Faces Line-Up For Shanklin Theatre Fundraiser

Famous faces, including the Isle of Wight's very own Melvyn Hayes and Only Fools and Horses' star John Challis, are taking part in a fundraiser for Shanklin Theatre.

Also appearing on 'Drumming and Strumming's' virtual bill are Doctor and the Medics singer Clive Jackson and Antiques Road Trip star, David Harper.

Jacqui McShee, lead singer of 1970s folk band, Pentangle, will also star, as will Isle of Wight musicians Paul Armfield and Isle of Wight blues band Black Daniels.

The virtual charity concert has been organised by two Isle of Wight students to raise money for the theatre in Shanklin, which has been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jake Curran, 15, and Tilly Grimshaw, 16, have put the event together as they work to complete their Duke of Edinburgh awards.

The pair are members of Isle of Wight band The Solar Escape and will also be performing.

It Ain’t Half Hot Mum star and Shanklin Theatre patron, Melvyn Hayes, is among those set to appear.

He first performed at the venue 40 years ago and told Drumming and Strumming:

“Shanklin Theatre means so much to me.”

Doctor and the Medics star Clive Jackson said:

“Donate to Shanklin Theatre, to help them and everyone involved come back with a bounce and keep providing quality live entertainment.”

Vic Farrow, Shanklin Theatre Chairman said:

“The theatre is important, for both the Island and the community locally, because we have a lot of local people who attend and a lot of local people who appear here. 

“We have dance schools, the Island Savoyards and Spotlight. All those people bring interest to youngsters and it’s the young people who are going to be the future of this place. It’s not just for tourism, but for the locals as well.”

Co-organiser Jake Curran said:

“As members of The Solar Escape, Tilly and I know how hard the entertainment sector has been hit by COVID-19. That’s why we’re organising Drumming and Strumming for Shanklin Theatre, as part of our Duke of Edinburgh award. “

Co-organiser Tilly Grimshaw said:

“We are really excited to do our first Drumming and Strumming concert on 22nd April, which you will be able to watch on Facebook and YouTube. We hope you can join us!”

Shanklin Theatre is currently closed due to COVID-19 and is set to reopen in the summer.

Drumming and Strumming will premiere on Facebook and YouTube, on Thursday 22nd April.

You can watch it on Facebook and YouTube  and donate here: https://shanklintheatre.enthuse.com/Donations#!/.

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