29th April 2013
For immediate release.
Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus has received support messages from three former UK Eurovision Song Contest representatives in the run-up to their Brighton Fringe show Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus: Douze Points!
Andy Abraham, Nicki French and Sonia have all come forward to wish the Chorus well for their Eurovision-inspired show which starts this weekend. In the show, the boys imagine what would happen if Brighton staged its own alternative to the contest.
Singer and theatre star Andy Abraham, who entered the contest in 2008 and is also a well-known X Factor runner-up, said:
“I would like to offer my support and excitement to all of the members of the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus for their participation in the Brighton Fringe Festival. With their take on the Eurovision Song Contest, the Choir will be a wonderful addition to the festival, bringing talent and fun to all of those who see it! Break a leg!”
2000 entrant Nicki French, who has headlined various Pride events worldwide, provided a humorous message referencing several Eurovision songs (including her own). Nicki said:
“’Congratulations’ and all the very best to the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus with your take on my favourite competition – the Eurovision Song Contest! May the audiences’ ‘Love Shine a Light’ on your performances; I know you, and they, will all have a fantastic time visiting the most glamorous, exciting and of course, CAMP Contest in history! I just hope that nobody suggests that you ‘Don’t Play that Song Again’! Best wishes to you all.”
Finally, singer, theatre and TV star Sonia – who is celebrating twenty years since she came second in the Eurovision Song Contest – said:
“I’m delighted to hear about Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus taking on Eurovision in Douze Points! I can’t believe it’s twenty years this year since my own Eurovision experience with ‘Better The Devil You Know’. Time flies! Break a leg, boys – I’m sure you will be great!”
The support from the stars is more great news for the Chorus, who were proud winners of the 2013 Manchester Amateur Choral Competition earlier this year and were one of Whatsonstage.com’s ‘Highlights of the Fringe 2012’ in their last Brighton Fringe show.
The first performances of Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus: Douze Points! are on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th May at 7.30pm in the Brighthelm Centre, North Road, Brighton. Tickets are available from www.brightongmc.org and the Brighton Fringe Box Office on 01273 917272. Funds will be raised for Martlets Hospice during these performances.
A further chance to see Douze Points! is at the Ladyboys of Bangkok’s Sabai Pavillion, Victoria Gardens on Sunday 12th May at 8pm. This is a special Pride Gala performance of the show in conjunction with Pride at the Fringe. Funds will be raised for the Rainbow Fund during this performance. Tickets are available from www.brightonfringe.org or at the Fringe Box Office.
ENDS
NOTES FOR EDITORS
ABOUT BRIGHTON GAY MEN’S CHORUS
Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus was established in 2005 and is a registered charity no. 1137437.
The Chorus now has around 80 members and works by its three principals of Singing, Socialising and Support. Its charitable objectives include to promote equality and diversity, to raise public awareness of the LGBT community, and to eliminate discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.
The Chorus stages at least three main shows a year; usually during the Fringe Festival, Brighton Pride and at Christmas. Their “Pull A Cracker” Christmas show is due to take place on 7th December 2013 at the Brighton Dome Concert Hall.
Latest news, press releases and images are available in the Press Office section of the Chorus website www.brightongmc.org
About Martlets Hospice
Martlets hospice plays a vital role in helping people to live life as fully as they can, right up until the end. Through expert clinical care provided by highly skilled and experienced Doctors and Nurses, they ensure that wherever possible peace, respect and dignity is retained – it is a very simple and very human ethos.
For more information please see www.themartlets.org.uk
About The Rainbow Fund
The Rainbow Fund is a Brighton and Hove based grant giving fund for local LGBT and HIV/AIDS charities. It was set up by James Ledward and Paul Elgood following the fundraising for the city’s groundbreaking AIDS Memorial, to provide a living legacy for the project.
The Rainbow Fund is administered by the Sussex Community Foundation, who oversee the Fund’s annual grant giving process and handle all donations made to it. This provides the LGBT community with an independent and transparent way to ensure donated money goes straight to the local good causes who benefit.
For more information see www.rainbowfund.co.uk
Links to this Press Release
Short Link: http://bgmc.me/?p=1350