THE Barn Theatre Cirencester and the Everyman Theatre Cheltenham have teamed up to host a night that will benefit refugees fleeing Ukraine conflict. The night will consist of a variety line-up including classical music, opera, comedy, choral music, classical and showtunes, as well a special reading by acclaimed writer Sir Michael Morpurgo (War Horse).

Other performers will include the impressionist Rory Bremner, sketch actor Ben Miller (Armstrong & Miller Show), renowned comedian Dom Joly, actor Lisa Maxwell, John Owen Jones, and many more to be announced shortly.

Everyman regulars will welcome panto-extraordinaire and host of ceremonies Sam Holmes, as well as star clown Tweedy to entertain audiences coming together for the good cause. There will be music by Every Voice Choir as well as a special performance by comedy-magician John Archer.

In addition to the DEC Ukrainian appeal, proceeds from the night will go to charities with which the Everyman has worked previously, Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees and GARAS (Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers), groups which work to work provide support to asylum seekers and to help foster compassion and cooperation in communities.

The ambition will be to raise £50,000 for these charities through ticket sales and through donations on the night.

For those unable to attend in-person, there will be a live stream available from which proceeds will also go to these groups, as well as a link for further online donations.

Tickets and further information are available here

Mark Goucher, Everyman Theatre chief executive said: ‘I am delighted we can put our efforts together and make this special evening happen. There is a tremendous outpouring for Ukraine, and we wanted to everything we can to make a difference in the lives of those fleeing this conflict. I also hope this will focus peoples’ attention on the plight of refugees fleeing conflicts all over the world.’

Iwan Lewis, Barn Theatre chief executive and Artistic Director, said: ‘We have been racking our brains about what we can do to help in this tragic time for Ukraine, and we decided to put together our resources and use existing channels to help those fleeing the war. I am grateful to Mark and the Everyman Theatre for opening their theatre to this great cause and am thrilled to help bring about a spectacular and moving evening. This is about showing solidarity across borders and doing what we do best—entertaining our audiences—to encourage them to donate.’