To support Make A Difference Trust’s Emergency Assistance Fund, 23 West End actresses who have played Elphaba or Glinda in the multi-award-winning hit musical Wicked have joined together to perform a stunning rendition of the show’s ‘For Good’.
Inspired by their close friends at Broadway Cares, the Make A Difference Trust’s has revived and repurposed its Emergency Fund in order to support those in the theatre community suffering hardship because of the Coronavirus crisis.
From their own homes, current and former Wicked cast members have recorded this very special version. The Witches are Gina Beck, Helen Dallimore, Louise Dearman, Kerry Ellis, Sophie Evans, Alice Fearn, Ashleigh Gray, Emma Hatton, Jacqueline Hughes, Alexia Khadime, Suzie Mathers, Natalie McQueen, Rosa O’Reilly, Michelle Pentecost, Laura Pick, Dianne Pilkington, Amy Ross, Savannah Stevenson, Emily Tierney, Rachel Tucker, Willemijn Verkaik, Lisa-Anne Wood and Helen Woolf.
The Make A Difference Trust grew from the UK theatre industry’s response to the HIV/AIDS crisis, originating as ‘Theatrecares’ in 1990. The charity has grown and now raises hundreds of thousands of pounds each year producing various annual events and appeals including West End Bares, West End Eurovision, A West End Christmas, A MAD Drag Night and the annual World AIDS theatre bucket collection appeal.
Many of those working in theatre don’t have three years accounts or may have been working in their first job, so do not qualify for government support. Some may have been working PAYE between acting jobs. Many are waiting for Universal Credit. Many live week to week and have now found themselves without any income.
The Trust has opened its COV-19 Hardship Fund with £5,000 from its own reserves and is aiming to raise £250,000 in order to grant out to as many performers, technicians, front of house staff, creatives, production staff, theatre administration and support staff as possible.
Every penny received will be used to support those in the theatre industry, in need during these difficult times.
Melanie Tranter, chair of the Make a Difference Trust said: “Since the Make A Difference Trust was established in 2008 the theatre community have joined together with us to raise funds for those less fortunate than themselves. They have entertained us, made us laugh and cheer, sing and stamp our feet in evenings of pure joy. They have given their time, talent and love so generously to raise funds to support those in need. Now, it’s our turn to support them. Every penny received from this initiative will go directly to theatre professionals in the UK who are affected by the theatre closures as a result of this crisis. We will work tirelessly to ensure grants are paid swiftly, and directly to those in need.”
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