David’s our Gest in city

Oct 1 2009 by Rob Pattinson, The Journal

FEW celebrities could hope to match the glamour of David Gest.

Famed for his friendship with Michael Jackson and marriage to Liza Minnelli, last night the stage producer brought a taste of showbusiness to Newcastle.

At an event staged to pull in funds for the Northern branch of the Variety Club, guests were treated to sneak preview of Gest’s musical My Life! A Musical Concert Extravaganza, which opens to audiences tonight at The Journal Tyne Theatre tonight.

The gala, held in a function room at the Vermont Hotel, was the centre-piece of an evening, which earlier saw the red carpet rolled out to greet ticket-holders.

Guests were treated to fine dining in a marquee erected in the courtyard of quayside bar Martha’s, before their host David compéred a silent auction of his own pop and rock memorabilia.

Lots included Michael Jackson dolls, and signed posters of stars ranging from Cher to the Four Tops.

Sporting a stark red-topped haircut the star was unmistakable as he made his way on to the stage and took charge of the evening’s proceedings.

Accompanied by an entourage sporting nun’s outfits he mingled in the crowd of hundreds of merry-makers, packed into the Dean Street Venue for a good cause.

Tickets for the event sold-out at £50- a-head.

Organisers believed the evening could have pulled in more than £50,000.

Bob Gladwin, chairman of the Variety Club Northern region said: “We raise money to help improve the quality of life of disabled and disadvantaged children in the region and we’re being helped by David Gest tonight.

“He provided the cabaret, he also provided auction items, and he also auctioned all the memorabilia, including Michael Jackson items and various other items he was able to bring.

“With all the money we raise we can buy Sunshine coaches, wheelchairs, aids for disabled children and generally improve the quality of childrens lives where we can.

“We’re extremely grateful to the support David has shown us and we wish him all the best with his live shows. I’m sure they will be fantastic.”

As well as promoting, David, 56, is set to appear on stage alongside a host of his favourite acts.

The line-up includes The Temptations, Russell Thompkins, JR & The New Stylistics.