NEWS: Joe Allen launches a series of virtual cabaret evenings to raise money for theatrical charities

On Saturday 4th July, Joe Allen, the New York brasserie and West End restaurant will launch their first virtual cabaret evening with a host of well-known guests and musical performances streamed live into homes worldwide to raise money for those in crisis in London’s Theatreland.

As a pillar of the theatre community in London for over four decades, the Covent Garden stalwart has teamed up with Acting for Others, a charity that provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14-member charities.  Having provided solace and sustenance to theatre-lovers, actors and beyond for many years, Joe Allen now need a helping hand to ensure that they are able to reopen.

Bringing Broadway to bedrooms for an evening of celebration, drag queen La Voix will compère the night, known for her raucous comedy and impressions, steering from act to act. In true Joe Allen style, viewers are invited to descend into a restaurant that will come to life in front of their eyes and recreate the longed-for dining experience with a twist. As the camera sweeps through the red velvet curtains and across the wooden floors, the famed posters that line the walls of the much-loved restaurant will come to life as familiar faces perform.

To kick off the night and as with any restaurant trip, a drink order will be taken, but here, viewers will be encouraged to create their own Joe Allen cocktail, having been sent a list of ingredients prior, during a masterclass where lead bartender Alex Barbu will be shaking up their signature tipple, enabling them to sip along for the duration of the show.

Reminiscent of Sunday Night at the London Palladium, there will be a host of varied acts, not least a sketch by Britain’s Got Talent finalist, the comedy writer and ventriloquist, Steve Hewlett. The evening will also include seasoned actors Patricia Hodge and Sir Derek Jacobi and singer Gary Wilmot alongside West End stars past and present, lending their voices to the cause as they belt out famous melodies from the most popular musicals from award-winning Company to Guys and Dolls – and perhaps a request or two.

‘Joe Allen has been a long-standing part of the theatrical community and it is a pleasure for us to be involved and we thank them for their support for Acting for Others.  The funds raised will make a difference to the many beneficiaries of our fourteen-member charities as they help those affected by Covid-19,’ says Acting for Others co-chair Stephen Waley Cohen.

‘The West End has been particularly devastated by the pandemic and without this support, Joe Allen may not be able to reopen, as such we wanted to use this time to shine a light on ourselves and also others in need in the theatre industry through Acting for Others. Broadway is in our blood and we have always been a home away from home for actors so we hope that this show will unite our community and loyal guests for an evening of fun, laughter and merriment during these troubled times! We can’t wait to stand shoulder to sequinned shoulder with our beloved theatrical family – the show must go on!’ says General Manager Cathy Winn.

An Evening at Joe’s will take place on Saturday 4^th July from 8pm – 9pm via YouTube. The show will be available to watch after transmission on the Joe Allen website.

 www.joeallen.co.uk

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