JEFF WAYNE’S MUSICAL VERSION OF THE WAR OF THE WORLDS…
THE NEW GENERATION!

ANNOUNCING:
KAISER CHIEFS’ RICKY WILSON AS THE ARTILLERYMAN
and
WICKED’S KERRY ELLIS AS BETH

And starring LIAM NEESON in 3D Holography

Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds – The New Generation is proud to announce two exciting new Guest Artistes for the 2012 Tour.

Ricky Wilson, fresh from a world tour with the Kaiser Chiefs will take on his first EVER performance role as The Artilleryman originally played by David Essex on Jeff Wayne’s classic recording. It is a new challenge for the rock star who grew up listening to Jeff’s album.

Sharing the stage, as Beth, is one of the most in demand talents in modern musical theatre – Kerry Ellis. Having received huge acclaim for her roles in West End hits Wicked and We Will Rock You, Kerry is described as the new “First Lady of the West End.” AND last week, she won a What’s On Stage Award for Best Solo performance for her Anthems project and has also recently released her debut album with Queen legend, Brian May.

They will be joining one of the world’s finest actors, Liam Neeson, as The Journalist, taking up the ‘baton’ previously occupied by the late Richard Burton. Liam’s 3D holograhic performance will be seen in three separate ways, including as the world’s first full body hologram, interacting with live performers on stage.

The remaining Guest Artistes will be revealed in the coming months.

One of the most successful stage shows of recent times, Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds – Alive on Stage! returns to UK and European Arenas after for the fifth time since 2006. It is a watershed year for the production – this is The New Generation, with a new of cast, new interpretation of the score and a ground-breaking new production.

Ricky Wilson says, “Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds is part of the musical landscape and I have always been a fan. It has long been held up as a fantastic piece of music and it is close to so many people’s hearts. It is daunting to do because people love it so much. But I want to start doing things that scare me. I got the email from Jeff Wayne inviting me to be a part of it and that is not something you can say ‘no’ to.”

Kerry Ellis says, “The moment I got the call from Jeff Wayne I started to get excited about the prospect of joining the cast of ‘The War of The Worlds’. Growing up I remember listening to the iconic sound track on cassette (yes cassette!) and loving the musical story. Now I get the chance to play Beth and be part of the newly adapted show which is a dream”

Composer/Producer, Jeff Wayne, who will again conduct the production, says:
“Over the years, I’ve been so fortunate to have had the participation of some truly great artists. For me, the real bonus is that I’ve always been a true fan of those who I’ve approached and when they’ve come on board, to me it’s not been ‘work’, just great fun. Already, Ricky Wilson and Kerry Ellis, the first two guest artists for our New Generation tour fall into that category. Ricky because of his command on stage with the wonderful Kaiser Chiefs, and Kerry who I saw in the original production of ‘Wicked’ in London’s West End, whose voice and charismatic performance drew the audience to her like a magnet. I welcome them both to The War of the Worlds”

November 2012

THURSDAY 29 DUBLIN DUBLIN ARENA

December 2012

SATURDAY 01 LIVERPOOL ECHO ARENA
SUNDAY 02 CARDIFF MOTORPOINT ARENA
MONDAY 03 CARDIFF MOTORPOINT ARENA
TUESDAY 04 NOTTINGHAM CAPITAL FM ARENA
THURSDAY 06 LONDON WEMBLEY ARENA
FRIDAY 07 BIRMINGHAM NIA
SATURDAY 08 MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS ARENA
SUNDAY 09 SHEFFIELD MOTORPOINT ARENA
MONDAY 10 NEWCASTLE METRO RADIO ARENA
TUESDAY 11 GLASGOW SECC
THURSDAY 13 BOURNEMOUTH BIC
FRIDAY 14 BOURNEMOUTH BIC
SATURDAY 15 LONDON O2 ARENA
SUNDAY 16 BRIGHTON BRIGHTON CENTRE
MONDAY 17 BRIGHTON BRIGHTON CENTRE
WEDNESDAY 19 ROTTERDAM AHOY ARENA
SATURDAY 22 LISBON PAVILHO ATLANTIC ARENA

January 2013

THURSDAY 03 HAMBURG HAMBURG ARENA
FRIDAY 04 OBERHAUSEN OBERHAUSEN ARENA
SATURDAY 05 BERLIN 02 WORLD BERLIN
MONDAY 07 NURNBERG NURNBERG ARENA
TUESDAY 08 MUNICH MUNICH ARENA
THURSDAY 10 GDANSK GDANSK ARENA
SATURDAY 12 HELSINKI HELSINKI ARENA

Notes to Editors:

RICKY WILSON
Ricky Wilson is best known as frontman of indie rock band Kaiser Chiefs, who sold over three million copies of their debut album Employment in 2005. Since then, the band have released three subsequent albums and toured the world.

KERRY ELLIS
Kerry Ellis has fast become recognized as the First Lady of West End musicals, from her starring roles in London and on Broadway, and has achieved chart topping success as a recording artist signed to Universal Decca with her debut album Anthems.

Kerry originated the role of Meat, in Queen’s We Will Rock You after being spotted by Brian May who saw her as Eliza Dolittle at the National Theatre. She was the first British Elphaba in the West End smash, Wicked, for which Kerry won the 2008 Whatsonstage.com Award for ‘Best Takeover in a Role’. She then immediately transferred to Broadway and was the first British Elphaba at the Gershwin Theater for 6 months, where she won the Broadway.com Audience Award for ‘Favourite Female Breakthrough Performance’. Her many other leading role credits include Nancy in Oliver! at the London Palladium, Ellen in Miss Saigon and Fantine in Les Miserables.

NEW GENERATION FACTS
On the original 1978 double album and from 2006 when the arena tours began, Richard Burton’s audio and technological visual performances contained 74 sequences. Liam Neeson’s Journalist contains 90. Richard’s performance was seen in one way. Liam will be seen in three:

• As an 11-foot high holographic ‘head and shoulders’ as The Journalist recounts in 1904 his story of survival from the Martian invasion of Victorian England some six years earlier
• Within CGI sequences seen on a 100-foot wide ’Animation Wall’
• Perhaps the most remarkable element, a world first in live entertainment, will see Liam Neeson appearing full body on stage interacting holographically with the show’s live performers. A triumph of technology and a remarkable performance by Liam
Jeff Wayne will again conduct the Black Smoke Band and ULLAdubULLA Strings with the remaining musical Guest Artistes to be announced for both the new album and tour.
The new live production will also contain exciting new ingredients, as well as some of the most iconic elements returning, including:
• A 3-tonne, 35-foot tall Martian Fighting Machine firing real flame Heat Rays at the audience and scanning them with its bug-like eyes, as it ‘lands’ on centre stage
• Special effects and illusions including a world first ‘levitation’ and the Martian Fighting Machine’s ‘incineration’ of a cast member
• Leaf drops over the audience and surround sound that engulfs them, contributing to the all-encompassing experience that is The War of The Worlds
Jeff Wayne’s double album was originally released by CBS records in 1978. It has enjoyed huge success and critical acclaim across the globe with over 15 million records sold and spending over 330 weeks in the UK Album Charts (to date) plus achieving two International hit singles – ‘Forever Autumn’ and ‘The Eve of The War’.

The War of The Worlds has also won two prestigious UK Ivor Novello Awards, the US Best Recording in Science Fiction and Fantasy (the judges included Alfred Hitchcock, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg), as well as winning for Jeff, Classic Rock’s ‘Showman of The Year’ Award.

** Shayne Ward And Justin Lee Collins sign up for another 6 months **

** Cast members raised £52,000 for BBC Children in Need *

**Rock of Ages triumphs in BroadwayWorld UK Awards**

** RoA nominated for five What’s On Stage theatre awards **

ROCK OF AGES THE MUSICAL, the smash hit musical that has taken the UK by storm is proud to announce that the full cast line up including Justin Lee Collins, Shayne Ward, Oliver Tompsett, Amy Pemberton and Simon Lipkin will continue in the show for at least another 6 months. This will take the original London cast through to the end of September 2012.

Fans who have already seen the show will be thrilled that they will have even more chances to see Justin and Shayne again throughout 2012. The London production of ROCK OF AGES has already started to attract somewhat of a cult appeal with audiences returning on numerous occasions to sing along with the hits of the 80s.
Since the show opened at the end of September, almost 100,000 people have had their worlds rocked by the tale of love, lust, laughter and lycra! Worldwide, the show has toured the US, been a huge hit on Broadway, in Toronto and in Melbourne and 2012 will see ROCK OF AGES get the Hollywood makeover as the movie version hits the screens next summer.
As Shayne says: “From when I first read the script through to the rehearsals and the fantastic gala night performance, we all knew that ROCK OF AGES was going to be a huge success. It’s a real testament to the hard work of everyone involved that the show is doing so well and that we as a cast are having so much fun rocking out for 8 shows a week and will be going on throughout 2012.”
Justin adds: “It’s been such an honour to take to the Shaftesbury Theatre stage every night alongside such a great cast and crew. Going to work at ROCK OF AGES is such great fun and we think that reflects in the audience’s reactions. We’ve started to see people coming back to see the show again and again and hopefully myself and Shayne signing up for another six months means we can encourage more music and theatre fans to see the show. ”
Rock of Ages is delighted to announce they have picked up two 2011 BroadwayWorld Awards for Best Musical and Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Jodie Jacobs for her role as spirited protester Regina.
Further to their first awards triumph, Rock of Ages is also very proud to announce that they have been nominated FIVE times in the prestigious www.whatsonstage.com Awards. More than 10,000 theatregoers have taken part in the nominations. Voting takes place from now until the end of January.
•    Best Actor in a Musical Oliver Tompsett
•    Best Supporting Actor in a Musical Simon Lipkin
•    Best New Musical Rock of Ages
•    Best Choreographer Kelly Devine
•    London Newcomer of the Year Shayne Ward
In addition, the cast of ROCK OF AGES THE MUSICAL is thrilled to have performed on the BBC’s flagship Children in Need show on Friday 18th November.  As well as donating all takings from, and raising money at the BBC London 94.9fm Rocks for Children in Need Gala Performance (at the Shaftesbury Theatre on Wednesday 16th November), the cast took to the stage at BBC TV Centre on the big night and well and truly ROCKED THE NATION! The cast and Shaftesbury Theatre raised a staggering £52,000 for the charity and presented a cheque, alongside Pudsey, on the night.
ROCK OF AGES THE MUSICAL has become an instant smash in the West End with critics and celebrities alike dusting down their leather, back-combing their hair and waving their lighters in the air to ‘London’s Greatest Guilty Pleasure”.

“If you’ve forgotten what it feels like to play air guitar in public,

then this is the place for you” (Dylan Jones, Editor, GQ)

Leading cast:
Dennis Dupree – Justin Lee Collins                              Stacee Jaxx/Father – Shayne Ward
Drew – Oliver Tompsett                                                        Sherrie – Amy Pemberton
Lonny – Simon Lipkin                                                            Hertz – Rohan Tickell
Justice/Mother – Rachel McFarlane                              Regina/Candi – Jodie Jacobs
Franz – Sandy Moffat

(remaining cast are alphabetical)
Mayor/Ja’Keith Gill – Nathan Amzi                                    Ensemble – Natalie Andreou
Ensemble – Grant Anthony                                                 Ensemble – Carly Mercedes Dyer
Ensemble – Cordelia Farnworth                                      Ensemble – Ian McIntosh
Waitress #1 – Twinnie-Lee Moore                                  Ensemble – Jamie Muscato
Ensemble – Andrew Spillett                                              Reporter – Zizi Strallen
Young Groupie – Amy Thornton                                     Joey Primo/Sleazy Producer – Dylan Turner

ROCK OF AGES is the ultimate ‘80’s rock mix-tape musical’, a rip-roaring, hilarious story of hedonism, dreams, love and of course ROCK! So popular has it been in New York, Toronto and Melbourne that the show is currently being made into a star-studded movie. The movie that is set to be 2012’s blockbuster musical stars, amongst others, Russell Brand, Alec Baldwin and Catherine Zeta Jones. Tom Cruise will be playing the role of Stacee Jaxx.

For more information and to book tickets please visit: www.rockofagesmusical.co.uk
Biographies and photos of cast members are available along with other  information:

David Cox or Lesley Land at The Outside Organisation

david.cox@outside-org.co.uk

lesley.land@outside-org.co.uk Tel: 0207 436 3633

EDITORS NOTES

ROCK OF AGES the musical is written by Chris D’Arienzo, directed by Kristin Hanggi and choreographed by Kelly Devine.  Scenic design is by Beowulf Boritt, costume design is by Tony Award nominee Gregory Gale, lighting design is by Jason Lyons, sound design is by Tony Award nominee Peter Hylenski, and projection design is by Zachary Borovay.

Five times nominated for the prestigious Tony Awards in the US (including ‘Best Musical’), ROCK OF AGES the musical is a celebration of Los Angeles rock culture, with a great story to boot. Set in 1987, a small town girl meets a big city rocker in LA’s most famous rock club and they fall in love to some of the greatest songs of the decade – all classic tracks which will have London rockin’ for more.

A much anticipated film of the musical, directed by Adam Shankman (Hairspray), is now well into production, starring Russell Brand, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alec Baldwin and Tom Cruise.

Tickets for ROCK OF AGES are available from THE SHAFTESBURY THEATRE: Box Office: 020 7379 5399 or at www.rockofagesmusical.co.uk. Performance times are: Monday-Thursday at 7.30pm, Friday at 5.30pm and 8.30pm, Saturday at 4pm and 8pm.

Tickets are priced from: £20

Further Information: Shaftesbury Theatre Details:

Box Office: 020 7379 5399  Postal: 210 Shaftesbury Avenue, London. WC2H 8DP

http://www.shaftesburytheatre.com

Watch footage from Children In Need Night below:

Based on HG Wells’ Classic Science Fiction Story

The Dazzling, Groundbreaking Arena Production

Launches a New Era

Starring LIAM NEESON in 3D Holography, as George Herbert, The Journalist

New Double Album Coming June 2012

“…Dazzling…I felt a shiver of excitement…” - Daily Telegraph

“…Fabulous” **** - The Times

“…Simply Epic!” - The Sun

“…Who could ask for more…” - Evening Standard

“…Thoroughly entertaining.” “Truly impressive” – BBC News

“…Mind – Melting, Multi-Media Extravaganza” - The West Australian

“…The whole thing is brilliant” - This is Lancashire

“…A two-hour spectacular of gargantuan proportions – This is Nottingham

The Martians are back, for a new generation…

One of the most successful stage shows of recent times, Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds, returns to UK Arenas with a new star and another technological leap forward.

On November 18, 2011 ‘The New Generation’ of Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds launched in conjunction with Sony Music, Live Nation and SJM Concerts, featuring a new interpretation of the classic recording followed by a major international arena tour commencing November 2012.

Internationally acclaimed actor Liam Neeson will be seen in 3D holography as the story’s narrator and leading a new cast.  Neeson will be seen in 3 ways: appearing as the first full body hologram seen on stage interacting with live actors, as an 11-foot high holographic head and shoulders hovering above the stage, and appearing within the 2-hour CGI  film projected onto the incredible 100 foot wide ‘animation wall’ which adds a true epic scale to the production.

After 33 years since its original release, Liam takes over from Richard Burton, whose holographic head had appeared in the show since 2006, using the original narration from Jeff Wayne’s classic 1978 album, a sound that has lived long in the memory and deep in the psyche of generations who have heard it.

Over the years, Jeff was often asked how he would approach composing and producing The War of The Worlds in today’s world, rather than the era of the mid 1970s, when disco was king of the dance floor, punk was the revolutionary music of the day and science fiction was being re-discovered in the movies and on TV.

He always answered ‘why fix what isn’t broken?.’ He was proud of the Work and especially of all those who had contributed their varied talents to bring it to life – David Essex, Justin Hayward, Phil Lynott, Chris Thompson, Julie Covington, and of course, Richard Burton. What Jeff never predicted was the extraordinary life his musical interpretation of HG Wells’ visionary and dark Victorian tale would have.  Now some 33 years on and as Jeff approached his sixth year of touring   The War of The Worlds – Alive on Stage! and an animated feature film now in development, this same question kept returning.

“After long consideration,” says Jeff, “I concluded that for future productions, some of HG Wells’ storylines and characters should be re-explored. It would also give me the chance to re-interpret my compositions with the production techniques of today, exciting from a musician’s point of view.

“But perhaps the greatest opportunity was revisiting the main character of George Herbert, The Journalist who ‘threads’ the story together. And while it may have been the greatest opportunity, it was also the hardest decision to make because I knew that with a re-developed storyline, a new Journalist would need to be sought as Richard Burton’s original performance, was finite.

“And whoever that person might turn out to be, he would have to be of no less stature and quality of voice than that of Richard – an incredibly tough act to follow.

But once again I have been fortunate, and have attracted Liam Neeson to these New Generation productions. He has, so-to-speak, been handed the ‘baton’ from Richard Burton, and I believe audiences and listeners alike will find Liam’s interpretation no less compelling.”

By good fortune, Liam is a huge fan of the original album, having purchased it when it was first released in 1978. And ironically, as the ‘new kid on the block’, he acted in a mini TV series on what turned out to be one of Richard Burton’s last roles before his untimely passing.

CONFIRMED TOUR: December 2012

December 2012

SATURDAY            01            LIVERPOOL                         ECHO ARENA

SUNDAY            02            CARDIFF                        MOTORPOINT ARENA

TUESDAY            04            NOTTINGHAM            CAPTIAL FM ARENA

THURSDAY            06            LONDON                        WEMBLEY ARENA

FRIDAY            07            BIRMINGHAM                        NIA

SATURDAY            08            MANCHESTER            EVENING NEWS ARENA

SUNDAY            09            SHEFFIELD                        MOTORPOINT ARENA

MONDAY            10            NEWCASTLE                        METRO RADIO ARENA

TUESDAY            11            GLASGOW                        SECC

THURSDAY            13            BOURNEMOUTH            BIC

SATURDAY            15            LONDON                        O2 ARENA

SUNDAY            16            BRIGHTON                        BRIGHTON CENTRE

On sale:                        General On Sale: Friday 25^th November 2011 @ 9am

Tickets: (all prices subject to booking fees)           

£62.50 / £52.50 / £42.50            London

£62.50 / £42.50                        Regional

B-Roll:

Host: ftp1.thewaroftheworlds.com

Username: TWOTW

Pass: Ulla1811

New Generation Facts:

On the original 1978 double album and from 2006 when the arena tours began, Richard Burton’s audio and technological visual performances contained 74 sequences.  Liam Neeson’s Journalist contains 90.  Richard’s performance was seen in one way.  Liam will be seen in three:

• As an 11-foot high holographic ‘head and shoulders’ as The Journalist recounts in 1904 his story of survival from the Martian invasion of Victorian England some six years earlier.
• Within CGI sequences seen on a 100-foot wide ’Animation Wall’.
• Perhaps the most remarkable element, and a world first in live entertainment, will see Liam Neeson appearing full body on stage interacting holographically with the show’s live performers. A triumph of technology and a remarkable performance by Liam.

Jeff Wayne will again conduct the Black Smoke Band and ULLAdubULLA Strings with musical Guest Artistes to be announced for both the new album and tour.

The new live production will also contain exciting new ingredients, as well as some of the most iconic elements returning, including:

• A 3-tonne, 35-foot tall Martian Fighting Machine firing real flame Heat Rays at the audience and scanning them with its bug-like eyes, as it ‘lands’ on centre stage.
• Special effects and illusions including a world first ‘levitation’ and the Martian Fighting Machine’s ‘incineration’ of a cast member
• Leaf drops over the audience and surround sound that engulfs them, contributing to the all-encompassing experience that is The War of The Worlds.

Jeff Wayne’s double album was originally released by CBS records in 1978. It has enjoyed huge success and critical acclaim across the globe with over 15 million records sold and spending over 330 weeks in the UK Album Charts (to date) plus achieving two International hit singles – ‘Forever Autumn’ and ‘The Eve of The War’.

The War of The Worlds has also won two prestigious UK Ivor Novello Awards, the US Best Recording in Science Fiction and Fantasy (the judges included Alfred Hitchcock, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg), as well as winning for Jeff, Classic Rock’s ‘Showman of The Year’ Award.

Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds has grown into a true classic, acquiring new generations of devoted followers since its original release.

For anyone of any age, The War of The Worlds – The New Generation is a unique double album and exciting arena show, not to be missed!

All images (c) Andrew Timms Photography: www.andrewtimms.co.uk

“MAKE A NOISE: MAKE A DIFFERENCE – CHILDREN IN NEED ROCKS LONDON…”

SMASH HIT WEST END MUSICAL COMEDY ROCK OF AGES TO PERFORM CHARITY GALA NIGHT

** Embargoed until 8am on 3^rd October 2011 **

ARE YOU READY TO ROCK??? Children in Need is set to rock the rafters this year as they team up with the hot West End comedy musical Rock of Ages at the Shaftesbury Theatre on Wednesday 16th November 2010 for a very special gala night.

All proceeds from the night will go straight to BBC London 94.9fm Rocks for Children in Need as well as donations taken in the theatre and raffle takings on the night and in the run up to the show. Pudsey Bear will be on hand throughout the evening to help work the audience up into a frenzy as the cast of the show perform the greatest ROCK hits of the 80s including Don’t Stop Believin’, Here I Go Again, Wanted Dead Or Alive and Every Rose Has Its Thorn.

Rock of Ages the Musical is the funniest show to open in London’s West End in years. Set in the late 1980s on Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip, this is a hilarious mix of comedy, love, lust and of course good old ROCK tunes!

BBC London’s 94.9FM presenters Vanessa Feltz, Gaby Roslin and Tony Blackburn will be ready to rock as they introduce this special gala performance. All money raised will go towards helping disadvantaged children and young people right here in the UK.

The BBC London 94.9FM Breakfast presenters cannot wait to see the hit musical:  Gaby said: “Last year we raised an enormous amount for Children in Need with the musical Jersey Boys. This year can’t be more different! Rock of Ages is going to be fun and feisty and we hope you can all join us for what is sure to be a brilliant night, and in the process raise lots of money for charity.”

BBC London 94.9FM Sunday Soul and Motown presenter Tony Blackburn is also looking forward to a night full of some of the catchiest tunes from the 80s.

“What an evening we are going to have! The 80s were full of fun and fun music and I can’t think of a better way to raise a fantastic amount for BBC Children in Need”

Julian Stoneman, Executive Producer of Rock Of Ages The Musical said “Children in Need is such an important date in the calendar and a night when all of us can do our bit to help to improve the lives of so many people. Along with helping the children out, Rock Of Ages’ gala night will see people walking out of the theatre with huge smiles on their faces.  The cast and crew of Rock Of Ages are very honoured to be able to do our bit and raise money from our gala performance on the 16^th November.”

Fans attending the show on the evening will have the opportunity to meet the cast and of course, the real star of the show, Pudsey Bear at the end of the night as they pose for photographs and take donations for the charity.

So, dig out the denim, embrace your inner ‘Europe’, climb on your Steel Horse and ride on down to the Shaftesbury Theatre where BBC London, Children in Need and the cast of Rock Of Ages the Musical REALLY will ROCK YOU…..!

WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL THE STAFF AT THE SHAFTESBURY THEATRE.

Notes to Editors

Rock of Ages the musical is written by Chris D’Arienzo, directed by Kristin Hanggi and choreographed by Kelly Devine.  Scenic design is by Beowulf Boritt, costume design is by Tony Award nominee Gregory Gale, lighting design is by Jason Lyons, sound design is by Tony Award nominee Peter Hylenski, and projection design is by Zachary Borovay.

Five times nominated for the prestigious Tony Awards in the US (including ‘Best Musical’ Rock of Ages the musical is a celebration of Los Angeles rock culture, with a great story to boot. Set in 1987, a small town girl meets a big city rocker in LA’s most famous rock club and they fall in love to some of the greatest songs of the decade – all classic tracks which already has London rockin’ for more.

A much anticipated film of the musical, directed by Adam Shankman (Hairspray), is out in summer 2012.

Tickets terms and conditions

Tickets from £20 can be purchased from the Shaftesbury Theatre box office, online at www.rockofagesmusical.co.uk or by calling the box office number on: 020 7379 5399. (Standard network call rates apply.) The face value of all tickets (minus VAT) will be donated to Children in Need. Booking fees will apply. Booking fee will be donated to CiN if booking through the theatre. Some credit card charges may apply.

The performance is suitable for audience 16+ and is not deemed suitable for young children or people who are easily offended.

The dress code is ‘glamorous’ or ’80′s Rock’ – it promises to be a night to remember, so book your tickets now.

All booking information can be found at bbc.co.uk/London.

Last year BBC London raised over £60,000 in one night with a musical gala performance of Jersey Boys.

BBC Children In Need

The BBC Children in Need Appeal is a charity registered in England and Wales (802052) and Scotland (SC039557) whose aim is to make a positive change to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

Every year, thanks to public donations and the amazing efforts of fundraisers, schools, businesses and corporate partners, BBC Children in Need is able to make a difference to thousands of young lives.

The 2011 BBC Children in Need Appeal is right around the corner on Friday 18 November, and we need your help again.  This year, we’re asking you to take part in “BBC Children in Need Rocks” by putting on your own ‘ROCKS’ fundraising event for CiN. It could be as simple as dressing up as a Rock Star or putting on an 80s Rocks karaoke night. All the money raised will help us “Rock” the lives of disadvantages children and young people in your area.

For inspiration and ways to get involved, please call 0345 607 3333 or visit bbc.co.uk/Pudsey to get your hands on a Fundraising Pack full of fundraising ideas.

For any press enquires, please contact Henni Cardy on 0208 008 3175 henni.cardy@bbc.co.uk

“DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’  IN BBC CHILDREN IN NEED”

“MAKE A NOISE: MAKE A DIFFERENCE – CHILDREN IN NEED ROCKS LONDON…”

ARE YOU READY TO ROCK??? Children in Need is set to rock the rafters this year as they team up with the hot West End comedy musical Rock of Ages at the Shaftesbury Theatre on Wednesday 16th November 2010 for a very special gala night.

All proceeds from the night will go straight to BBC London 94.9fm Rocks for Children in Need as well as donations taken in the theatre and raffle takings on the night and in the run up to the show. Pudsey Bear will be on hand throughout the evening to help work the audience up into a frenzy as the cast of the show perform the greatest ROCK hits of the 80s including Don’t Stop Believin’, Here I Go Again, Wanted Dead Or Alive and Every Rose Has Its Thorn.

Rock of Ages the Musical is the funniest show to open in London’s West End in years. Set in the late 1980s on Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip, this is a hilarious mix of comedy, love, lust and of course good old ROCK tunes!

BBC London’s 94.9FM presenters Vanessa Feltz, Gaby Roslin and Tony Blackburn will be ready to rock as they introduce this special gala performance. All money raised will go towards helping disadvantaged children and young people right here in the UK.

The BBC London 94.9FM Breakfast presenters cannot wait to see the hit musical:  Gaby said: “Last year we raised an enormous amount for Children in Need with the musical Jersey Boys. This year can’t be more different! Rock of Ages is going to be fun and feisty and we hope you can all join us for what is sure to be a brilliant night, and in the process raise lots of money for charity.”

BBC London 94.9FM Sunday Soul and Motown presenter Tony Blackburn is also looking forward to a night full of some of the catchiest tunes from the 80s.

“What an evening we are going to have! The 80s were full of fun and fun music and I can’t think of a better way to raise a fantastic amount for BBC Children in Need”

Julian Stoneman, Executive Producer of Rock Of Ages The Musical said “Children in Need is such an important date in the calendar and a night when all of us can do our bit to help to improve the lives of so many people. Along with helping the children out, Rock Of Ages’ gala night will see people walking out of the theatre with huge smiles on their faces.  The cast and crew of Rock Of Ages are very honoured to be able to do our bit and raise money from our gala performance on the 16^th November.”

Fans attending the show on the evening will have the opportunity to meet the cast and of course, the real star of the show, Pudsey Bear at the end of the night as they pose for photographs and take donations for the charity.

So, dig out the denim, embrace your inner ‘Europe’, climb on your Steel Horse and ride on down to the Shaftesbury Theatre where BBC London, Children in Need and the cast of Rock Of Ages the Musical REALLY will ROCK YOU…..!

WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL THE STAFF AT THE SHAFTESBURY THEATRE.

Notes to Editors

Rock of Ages the musical is written by Chris D’Arienzo, directed by Kristin Hanggi and choreographed by Kelly Devine.  Scenic design is by Beowulf Boritt, costume design is by Tony Award nominee Gregory Gale, lighting design is by Jason Lyons, sound design is by Tony Award nominee Peter Hylenski, and projection design is by Zachary Borovay.

Five times nominated for the prestigious Tony Awards in the US (including ‘Best Musical’ Rock of Ages the musical is a celebration of Los Angeles rock culture, with a great story to boot. Set in 1987, a small town girl meets a big city rocker in LA’s most famous rock club and they fall in love to some of the greatest songs of the decade – all classic tracks which already has London rockin’ for more.

A much anticipated film of the musical, directed by Adam Shankman (Hairspray), is out in summer 2012.

Tickets terms and conditions

Tickets from £20 can be purchased from the Shaftesbury Theatre box office, online at www.rockofagesmusical.co.uk or by calling the box office number on: 020 7379 5399. (Standard network call rates apply.) The face value of all tickets (minus VAT) will be donated to Children in Need. Booking fees will apply. Booking fee will be donated to CiN if booking through the theatre. Some credit card charges may apply.

The performance is suitable for audience 16+ and is not deemed suitable for young children or people who are easily offended.

The dress code is ‘glamorous’ or ’80′s Rock’ – it promises to be a night to remember, so book your tickets now.

All booking information can be found at bbc.co.uk/London.

Last year BBC London raised over £60,000 in one night with a musical gala performance of Jersey Boys.

BBC Children In Need

The BBC Children in Need Appeal is a charity registered in England and Wales (802052) and Scotland (SC039557) whose aim is to make a positive change to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

Every year, thanks to public donations and the amazing efforts of fundraisers, schools, businesses and corporate partners, BBC Children in Need is able to make a difference to thousands of young lives.

The 2011 BBC Children in Need Appeal is right around the corner on Friday 18 November, and we need your help again.  This year, we’re asking you to take part in “BBC Children in Need Rocks” by putting on your own ‘ROCKS’ fundraising event for CiN. It could be as simple as dressing up as a Rock Star or putting on an 80s Rocks karaoke night. All the money raised will help us “Rock” the lives of disadvantages children and young people in your area.

For inspiration and ways to get involved, please call 0345 607 3333 or visit bbc.co.uk/Pudsey to get your hands on a Fundraising Pack full of fundraising ideas.

For any press enquires, please contact Henni Cardy on 0208 008 3175 henni.cardy@bbc.co.uk