Star Studded July 16 Gala Honors Dan Crawford in West End

On Sunday 16th July, the King?s Head Theatre Islington will present a very special musical tribute Gala to the theatre?s founder, entrepreneur and producer, Dan Crawford who died last July at the age of 62.

For one night only a host of stars will come together at London?s Novello Theatre in celebration of Dan?s life and work, whose maverick genius and unrelenting artistic passion earned him the distinction of being thought of by many as the ?father of the Capital?s fringe theatre scene?.

The evening will showcase a dazzling array of musical tributes to this much-loved and respected Artistic Director whose loyalty, delightful eccentricity and revolutionary work ignited the careers of so many leading performers such as Anthony Sher, Victoria Wood, Steven Berkoff, Hugh Grant and Quentin Crisp.

To mark this exceptional Gala a cast of over 50 King?s Head stars, past and present, will bring love and laughter to a unique musical celebration, recalling many of the prolific landmark productions associated with Dan?s distinguished career. The production will feature the works of Noel Coward, Ivor Novello, the Gershwins, Jerome Kern, Dorothy Fields, Kurt Weil, Jacques Brel, Vivian Ellis, Cole Porter and Steve Sondheim.

The host of stars appearing includes Don Black, Lionel Blair, Steven Berkoff, Peter Bowles, Clare Burt, Sharon D Clarke, Tom Conti, Janie Dee, Anita Dobson, Simon Green, Susannah Fellows, Anna Francolini, Louise Gold, Richard E Grant, Jan Hartley, Patricia Hodge, Michael Howe, Celia Imrie, Lesley Joseph, David Kernan, Bonnie Langford, Denis Lawson, Gavin Lee, John Lee, Maureen Lipman, Joanna Lumley, Ewan McGregor, Susie McKenna, Julia McKenzie, Linda Marlowe, Jessica Martin, Robert Meadmore, Kim Medcalf, Sheridan Morley, Maz Murray, Paul O?Grady, Michael Praed, Frances Ruffelle, Angela Richards, Wendy Toye, Sally Ann Triplet, Sam West and other surprise guests.

Widely recognised by critics and audiences alike, the King?s Head Theatre, Islington is one of London?s premiere fringe venues. Founded by Dan Crawford in 1970 his untimely death last July of cancer robbed the theatre world of a colourful, energetic and maverick producer who was as well-known and well-loved as the people whose careers he helped develop.

Under Crawford?s guiding hand, the King?s Head has won numerous awards and has transferred more than 30 productions to the West End, eight national tours and six Broadway transfers - meaning more than one in ten show transfers.

The venue continues the work that Dan faught so hard to maintain under the Artistic Directorship of his widow, Stephanie Sinclair and associate, Ann Pinnington who joined the theatre 15 years ago. It is their mission to complete Dan?s work and take the theatre forward whilst at the heart continuing to provide the type of productions for which this 115 seat intimate fringe theatre has become so cherished by the local and London theatre-going community. Monies raised from this very special evening will go towards the Raise The Roof fund for the refurbishment of the theatre in order that Dan Crawford?s legacy can continue.

Tickets to A Love Letter to Dan are available from the Novello Theatre Box office on 0870 950 0935. www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk Ticket prices range from £25 - *£150 (*includes joining the stars at the after show party. Venue tbc)