You can relive fun for Sammy

May 13 2008 by David Whetstone, The Journal

IF there’s such a thing as a win win win win situation, Sunday For Sammy (SFS) has it in the bag.

The biennial variety concerts in memory of late North East actor Sammy Johnson have become etched in the region’s entertainment calendar as a must-see event ... now let me explain the quadruple positive I mentioned.

Win number one: the performers (SFS regulars Tim Healy, Denise Welch and Brendan Healy) all have a ball during the concerts at Newcastle City Hall.

Win number two: the audience have a rollicking good time during the celebration of all things North East.

Win number three: young performers who benefit from the gigs via the Sunday For Sammy Fund which hands out grants to give them a leg up at the time when they need it most.

And win number four: anyone with a DVD player who can now grab a copy of the full-length concert, getting the best possible view of this year’s proceedings and all the while doing their bit for the fund at the same time (75% of profits go straight into its interest-accruing pocket).

For anyone who wasn’t lucky enough to get along to this year’s concerts, held on February 10, here’s a taste of what’s on the DVD.

Auf Wiedersehen, Pet stars Tim and Kevin Whately were joined for the first time by fellow cast members Timothy Spall and Christopher Fairbank for a pair of sketches (written by Dick Clement and Ian Le Frenais) which found the lads helping out at Sherwood Forest and rescuing Robin Hood, hilariously played by Brendan.

More comedy was provided by Denise and Charlie Hardwick, who were joined by Angie Lonsdale, Coleen Nolan and Zoe Tyler for a Loose Women spoof entitled Slack Lasses; Peter Peverley, who brought Bobby Thompson back to life from the comfort of the Mastermind chair; and, of course, Brendan whose stand-up always delivers belly laughs aplenty.

On the music side, the cream of the region’s musicians assembled to become the evening’s house band and were joined by the likes of ex-Lindisfarne favourite Ray Jackson, Peter Donegan (yes, he is Lonnie’s son), Ray Stubbs and Billy Mitchell.

And if all that wasn’t enough, Tim Healy persuaded the first ever Billy from Billy Elliot the Musical, Liam Mower, to reprise his role for a breathtaking performance of the show-stopping Electricity.

Tim Healy said: “Those who want to relive the night and those who couldn’t be there can buy the DVD and experience the best of the North East’s singers, dancers and actors, doing what they do best for a very worthy cause.”

Couldn’t have said it better myself.