This Sunday, the MAD Trust gathers the shining stars of the theatre and celebrity world for another scantily clad West End Bares fundraiser! “What’s it all about, then?” we hear you ask. QX speaks to Charity Director Steve Inman to reveal all…
Can you fill us in on what MAD Trust does for those who are unaware of the charity.
We were originally founded under the name West End Cares some 23 years ago and were set up to respond to the considerable number of people in the entertainment industry who were dying of AIDS at that time. We changed our name a while later to Theatrecares so as to represent the national demographic we support, and finally became The Make A Difference Trust in 2008. The charity provides practical HIV and AIDS education and prevention services to the entertainment industry with a current focus on crisis funding, back to work supports; condom distribution, signposting to testing services and sexual health education programs in drama schools, performing arts academies and mainstream schools. The charity also works internationally with programs currently supporting food security, education and access to treatment in sub Saharan Africa.
You’ve put on some spectacular events over the years. How much money has been raised so far, and what kind of projects has that money gone to?
We are really a very small charity compared to many, but we have always punched above our weight. In total we have raised around £4million over the years and have supported many well-known organisations from The Food Chain and GMFA to Positive East and NAT. In addition, our hardship grants to individuals living with HIV and coping with health related poverty have supported over 8,000 individual clients.
Those are impressive figures. Tell us more about the West End Bares event…
West End Bares, which this year is presented in association with Nair, has become one of the must see events in the theatre diary. Over 100 of the West End’s hottest dancers all performing fully choreographed and costumed burlesque numbers. West End Bares combines the razzle-dazzle, glitz and glamour of the West End with the naughtiness of burlesque. The theme is ‘All The Fun of the Bare’ and there are some jaw-dropping surprises in store. In addition to the incredibly talented performers and choreographers, we have a number of celebrity hosts which this year include Jane McDonald, Anita Dobson, Robin Windsor, Lisa Riley and Harriet Thorpe. With some of the finest costumiers in the business, some fabulous Andrew Christian underwear and amazing make up courtesy of MAC Cosmetics, this is an amazing evening.
There’s also a charity auction with underwear designed by celebrities available to buy on eBay! Tell us more!
This is the third year for our Pants Auction and they look great. Wardrobe departments from top West End theatres have produced pants, the like you won’t believe. We also have pairs of pants that have been customised and signed by numerous celebrities including Kate Winslet, Graham Norton, Rylan Clarke and Joanna Lumley, to name but a few.
ROBIN WINDSOR
Strictly Come Dancing
You’ve joined the West End Bares team for the charity fundraiser. What appealed to you about the charity?
It’s is such a great charity and close to my heart that I’ll do what I can to support it.
Are you performing or hosting at the event?
Everything I do is a performance! [Laughs] However, I won’t be dancing on the night. I will be hosting the event with two very special ‘Strictly’ ladies.
What other projects have you got coming up that people should look out for?
We are deep in to rehearsals for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing… That’s right it’s that time of year again. It’s the 10th year anniversary, so it’s going to be an amazing series. There is a space on my mantelpiece for that glitter ball trophy!
ANITA DOBSON
You’ve joined the West End Bares team for the charity fundraiser. What appealed to you about the charity?
Anything to do with helping children is important, because they are our future, and the fight against AIDS must continue.
Are you performing or hosting at the event?
I’m hosting and happy to be doing so.
What other projects have you got coming up that people should look out for?
I will be appearing in an episode of the new series ‘Moving On’ and also panto at Christmas.
• West End Bares is on Sunday 1st September at Café de Paris, 3-4 Coventry Street, Piccadilly Circus W1D 6BL
• Further info and tickets from www.madtrust.org.uk
