West End theatres have raised over £83,000 for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Philippines Typhoon Appeal, it was announced today. Typhoon Haiyan wreaked devastation across the Philippines last November, affecting 14 million people and leaving 5 million homeless. Through a combination of audience collections, donations and a special gala performance, West End theatres have raised the funds for vital emergency aid and recovery work.
DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed said: "West End theatres and their audiences have a long history of supporting the Disasters Emergency Committee, and the Philippines Typhoon Appeal has been no exception; we have seen extraordinary generosity from across the West End. DEC member agencies are already putting the funds raised to good use, helping the Filipino people to get back on their feet and rebuild their lives."
Bucket collections took place at many West End theatres, through which audiences at shows including The Lion King and Matilda the Musical gave over £16,000 to the appeal. Donations, including exclusive prizes offered via a special DEC eBay auction and contributions from Dewynters and The Mackintosh Foundation, added to this total; as did a special one-off gala performance, You'll Never Walk Alone -- The West End Unites for the Philippines. Instigated by the UK based Filipino theatre community, the show -- which was held at the Queen's Theatre - was hosted by Gok Wan and featured performances from stars including Hollywood actor Luke Evans, and theatrical favourites such as Michael Xavier, Danielle Hope, Cynthia Erivo, Hugh Maynard and Joanna Riding.Videos