People are set to be transported to a world of glitz and glamour when a musical spectacular takes to the stage.
For one-night only on Friday, November 4, from 7pm, a 1940s and musical theatre event will take place at the Mill Arts Centre, in Banbury, to raise money for the Hummingbird Centre – a cancer support centre.
The evening will feature musical duo Sparky and Sprite Entertainment, who will be performing a string of tunes from the fabulous forties, and Stages Theatrical present ‘Le Grande Spectacle Rouge’, a selection of songs from popular musical Moulin Rouge and the Greatest Showman.
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Only 210 tickets will be available for the night including five exclusive cabaret tables.
Tickets are on sale now, with all proceeds to the Bicester based Hummingbird Centre, which supports people who have cancer and their families from across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.
Hummingbird CEO Renee Booth said: “We are absolutely delighted to be involved in this musical spectacular.
“It’s going to be a fantastic evening with lots of amazing music from the forties as well as show tunes from two very popular musicals.
“This is the first time we have hosted a theatrical evening and we would love it to be a sell-out.
“It will be a great opportunity to dress up in 1940s fashions and we have already been told that Sparky and Sprite Entertainment actively encourage people to sing along to their forties tunes.
“Please do come along, have a great evening of thoroughly brilliant entertainment but also help us raise vital funds to ensure we can continue to support our community.”
Although the 1940s was a decade dominated by the Second World War, it was also a time of cultural changes with Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and swing music becoming en-vogue.
Despite rationing, women’s fashion evolved, with straight knee length skirts, dresses with cinched waistlines and flared skirts or pleats, while men wore suits, usually with pin stripes or patterned material.
Tickets for the event are available from the Mill Arts Centre Box Office by calling 01295 279002, in person from 9.30am until 4.30pm Monday to Saturday, or online: https://www.themillartscentre.co.uk/shows/hummingbird/
The Hummingbird Centre opened its doors in 2014 after a promise Hummingbird founder Mechelle Harris made to her late father Raymond Hurcombe to create something good out of their loss as a family.
So far, The Hummingbird Centre has supported many people and has become very much part of the community.
It relies 100 per cent on donations and volunteers to enable it to operate as every penny raised goes back into the centre.
The Hummingbird Centre now offers support to people across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.
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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.
Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1
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