West End concert this weekend

Jason Manford and Mark Thomas are taking part in a West End benefit for the victims of the Grenfell Tower inferno on Saturday.

The Songs And Solidarity gig is primarily a music performance, featuring the likes of Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, Dreamgirls star Tyrone Huntley, Wicked star Rachel Tucker and the West End Gospel Choir.

However, there is also a host of other celebrities taking part such as Dame Judi Dench, Gok Wan and  Claire Sweeney. Musical comic Earl Okin is also on the bill at the Trafalgar Studios at 7.30pm on Sunday.

It is not known whether Manford – who has a musical album deal in the works – will be singing or performing stand-up.

Producer Giles Terera said: I’m sure for all of us our immediate response is to want to try and reach out and help, either as an individual or collectively. The community that has suffered this horror has always been a strong, close-knit, diverse, creative one. As an artistic community, we aim for those same values. 

‘At the same time, it is a community which has been marginalised and ignored for a very long time. So as well as the vital response of trying to contribute financially and materially, we have an opportunity to come together stand in solidarity with those directly affected and say this should not have happened.’

The evening will feature contributions from: Nikki Amuka-Bird, Julie Atherton, Rikki Beadle-Blair, Vikash Bhai, Dame Judi Dench, Noma Dumezweni, Clare Foster, Bonnie Greer, Tyrone Huntley, Cassidy Janson, Alexia Khadime, David McAlmont, Omar F Okai Company,  Earl Okin, Jon Robyns, Stiles and Drewe, Claire Sweeney, Rakhee Thakrar, Mark Thomas, Rachel Tucker, Gok Wan, West End Gospel Choir.

All proceeds will go to the Grenfell Tower Fire Fund set up by the local councilllor Eartha Pond. Donate here.

Published: 20 Jun 2017