Burnley Mechanics Theatre hosts 'Curtain Up For a Cause' show in aid of Pendleside Hospice
The second annual Curtain Up For a Cause show was a resounding success, raising funds for Pendleside Hospice with a star-studded performance at Burnley Mechanics Theatre.
It would be safe to say the second annual ‘Curtain Up For a Cause’ show was a resounding success.
Burnley Mechanics Theatre was packed to the rafters for the show that contained no less than 32 songs, performed by a cast of 10 who hardly stopped for breath.
Kicking off with the rousing “Another Op’nin, Another Show’ from ‘Kiss Me Kate’ the audience were taken on a journey through the various ages and genres of musicals, from the world of animation, movies and West End wonders to the Best of Broadway and Juke Box musicals.
The show was hosted by the absolutely mesmerising and hilariously funny Jasmine Hands, aka Rhys Roberts. Watching Jasmine roller skate in ‘Starlight Express and actually ‘fly’ on stage while performing ‘Defying Gravity’ from the hit musical ‘Wicked’ was a sight to behold.
The finale had the audience on their feet to a Tina Turner medley that was terrific fun and so uplifting.
‘Curtain Up For a Cause’ came into being last year with its first performance to assist Sue McKay in her fund raising for The Stroke Association. It was only supposed to be a one off but was such a success they couldn’t stop there.
The 2026 performance is in aid of Pendleside Hospice and it was announced live on stage that the 2027 show is already in the offing and will raise money for the East Lancs Downs Syndrome Support Group.
Hat’s off to Rhys and Leanne Wharf from Act One Beginners who created the show with the help of some incredibly talented friends who included: Alice Butterfield, Katy Barsby-Walton, Matt Whatley, Peter Rigney, Summer Stubbs, Harriet Williams, Autumn Feeley and Autumn Wharf.
Affectionately known as ‘CUFAC’ the cast can take a bow and I am already looking forward to next year’s show which takes place on Sunday, November 14.