Sunday for Sammy brings the stars back home

Feb 6 2010 The Journal

As the sound checks and run-throughs got under way yesterday for the sixth extravaganza, Tim told of the generosity of both performers and punters. “It never fails to move me,” said Tim, as he waited backstage. “The first couple of times we did it, we were always wondering whether we could get enough people together to put on a good show, and whether we could sell enough tickets,” he continued.

“Now, we’re in a position that everyone wants to be involved and we sell out two days after the tickets go on sale. We’ve raised £270,000 so far. It’s fantastic.”

Although a big part of the event’s charm is the surprise element on the day, Tim was happy to confirm that a trio of beneficiaries from the fund will perform, the Slack Lasses (a Loose Women spoof) will return, and custom-written Auf Wiedersehen Pet sketches, supplied by writers Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, will also be part of proceedings.

“Ian and Dick are on their way over from LA,” said Tim. “It’ll be great to see them here with everyone.”

And don’t worry if you haven’t been able to bag yourself a ticket. “We’re filming it again.

“This will be the fourth DVD of the concerts – we’ll have enough for a box set. It’s great, because 75% from the sales also go towards the fund – but it does mean that you can’t hide from any mistakes.”

With not much more than two practice runs before the curtain comes up, the concerts require professionalism by the bucketload.

“It’s part of the fun,” said Tim. “It gets the adrenalin pumping backstage and everyone loves it. It’s become such a looked-forward to event. You can’t help but have a ball.”

Visit www.sundayforsammy.org to make a donation to the fund.