Star-studded celebration for Mousetrap Theatre Projects

The stars came out on Sunday 18 March to help theatre education charity Mousetrap Theatre Projects celebrate its 21st anniversary.

Hosted by Christopher Biggins and Harriet Thorpe, the star-studded fundraising gala at the Prince of Wales Theatre featured guest stars Beau Dermott, Patricia Hodge, Tyrone Huntley, Samantha Spiro, David Suchet, Rachel Tucker and Michael Xavier.

The show also featured performances by cast members from The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, Kiss Me, Kate, The Royal Ballet Company and Dreamgirls.

Following the gala, West End favourites Janie Dee and Clive Rowe took centre stage at the after-show party at the Café de Paris.

Commenting on the successful fundraiser Moustetrap Theatre Projects’ director Susan Whiddington said: “We had a fantastic evening celebrating the last 21 years of MTP. We are so grateful to everyone involved with the event and are thrilled to have raised significant funds to further the charity and its aims.

“It’s been an incredible 21 years for MTP and we are incredibly thankful for all the support that we’ve received in this time from individuals, the theatre industry and trusts and foundations. We are looking forward to the years to come.”

Dedicated to bringing the magic of theatre into the lives of young people, Mousetrap Theatre Projects (MTP) opens the doors to all that London’s vibrant theatre scene has to offer – particularly for young people with limited means, support or special needs – and encourages participants to engage creatively with their theatre experiences.

In the last 21 years, nearly 200,000 disadvantaged children and young people have taken part in projects run by MTP. The charity has worked with 76% of mainstream state secondary schools and 80% of secondary special schools in London.

Ten thousand families on low-incomes or in other challenging circumstances have participated in its Family First Nights theatregoing programme which will celebrate its 20th anniversary this summer.

Angela Thomas