Sue Johnston, Alison Steadman, Richard Wilson, Rudolph Walker, Wil Johnson and Les Dennis were among the actors and singers who lent their support to Haringey Shed’s inclusive theatre company at a fundraising gala on February 8th. The sell-out event took place at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre, Tottenham. The evening included poetry and song, with a host of celebrities appearing alongside ninety- five of Haringey Shed’s young performers, aged 7–16.

Celebrity performers described the gala as follows:

Sue Johnston: (Patron) “I believe in Haringey Shed 100%..and I simply loved the show.”

Les Dennis: “I came last year and had a sense of wonder at what the young people had done. I thought the show was great – a nice diversity of performance. Things that made you think and things that made you laugh.”

Alison Steadman: “I took part because I believe Haringey Shed and theatre can give a wonderful start in life to young people. Haringey Shed gives them an empathy with other human beings, and stresses that everyone is important no matter what their ability or disability. It was brilliant to see famous names and the kids onstage together – it gave the kids an enormous lift .

Richard Wilson: ”It was a great evening, and a nice mix of performance. The kids were wonderful and stole the show.”

Lynne Hale, Haringey Shed Executive Director, said: “It was a truly wonderful event – joyful, inspiring and inclusive. The whole company, staff and young people, worked very hard to pull the event together but felt it was worth it to see such a mix of people – Shed families and well-known performers, people from all over Haringey and other parts of London celebrating the work of Haringey Shed together.”

Funds raised will help Haringey Shed continue its work in 2009.