West End Bares reveals theme for 2018 fundraising show

The theme of this year’s West End Bares show has been announced as Top Off the Pops, celebrating the sexiest tracks from some of the world’s most iconic music artists.

The annual fundraiser, which takes place at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London on Sunday 28 October 2018, will also feature a live band and singers for the first time alongside more than 100 West End performers baring their flesh for charity.

All money raised will go to Make A Difference Trust (MAD Trust), to fund HIV and AIDS projects that raise awareness, educate and provide care and support in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Fresh from her Tony Award-nominated Broadway debut in Miss Saigon, Eva Noblezada will open the show with a new song written for the occasion by returning favourites Mark Anderson and Luke Di Somma.

Eva said: “I am so damn excited for West End Bares: Top Off The Pops for MAD Trust. I had fun the first time I was a part of it in 2014 but I was such a baby. I want to bring my own fire to it now that I didn’t have back then. I cannot wait to get on that stage and perform with everyone.

“This year is something completely different too. It’s gonna blow the roof off the theatre, and we’re gonna be performing with a live band, with more flesh than ever before.

“We're making something pretty special for the opening with a few surprises that I've been sworn to secrecy about but you really don't want to miss it.”

For the fourth year in a row, West End Bares will be directed by David Grewcock with choreography from Tommy Wade-Smith (Book of Mormon, We Will Rock You), Racky Plews (American Idiot, Footloose, Knights of the Rose), Chris Whittaker (Seussical, Judy!, Top Hat), Matt Overfield (Motown the Musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Tommy), Callum Aylott  (Dreamgirls, The Illusionists, West Side Story), Matt Krazn (Chicago, Cats), Will Lucas (Wicked, Cats) and Joanna Goodwin (Sunset Boulevard, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Barnum), with more to be announced.

Award-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell, creator of the original concept Broadway Bares, which inspired West End Bares, said: “Music gets everybody in the mood and I can’t wait for the West End to turn it up and rock out for Bares in London this year with the sexiest tracks and the sexiest dancers.

“I never thought that what we started in Splash in New York in 1992 would be fast approaching its 10th birthday in London next year – full-out!  What we do together really does make a difference so get your tickets and get ready to party!”

There will be two performances of the show at 7pm and 9.30pm. Tickets are now on sale, priced at £25 to £80. They are available from www.madtrust.org.uk or the Shaftesbury Theatre booking line 020 7379 5399 or in person at the Shaftesbury Theatre box office. Booking fees apply plus your phone company's access charge.

Photo: Darren Bell