Those behind Sunday for Sammy are set to make a big announcement this week as the Newcastle fundraiser marks its 25th anniversary.
This week, a special event will reveal exactly what fans can expect from the biennial show – which last packed out the Utilita Arena for two sell-out performances in 2020 before Covid hit. The event is planned on February 6 as part of a day of celebration with music, comedy and special guests.
The event will reveal more about the return of Sunday for Sammy, which is renowned for its line-up of local celebrities and is always kept under wraps in order to surprise audiences. Its programme of live music and comedy sketches help raise funds to support local performers in memory of late actor Sammy Johnson.
Here’s everything you need to know about Sunday for Sammy:
Who was Sammy Johnson?
Sammy – whose real name was actually Ronnie – grew up on the Springwell estate in Gateshead and was a keen musician. When he landed a job playing bass guitar at a Live Theatre panto in Newcastle, it led to a part in the show and the beginning of his acting career.
Sammy was soon cast as ‘Stick’ in Spender, a TV detective series written by Jimmy Nail and Ian La Frenais. Following his success in the hit show, Sammy began to turn his hand to scriptwriting. But tragically, while jogging in the hills of Malaga, Spain in 1998, where he was living, he collapsed and died at the age of 49.
(Image: John Millard)
What does the show involve?
The entertainment showcase – dubbed the The Geordie Command Performance – takes place every other year and is always a fast sell-out. it was last performed five years ago. Singers, actors and musicians gather together and entertain the audience with songs and sketches to raise money to help up-and-coming entertainers in honour of Sammy.
A whole host of local celebs are usually involved. Past performances have included Vera’s Brenda Blethyn, Joe McElderry, Mark Knopfler, Ant and Dec and the lads from Auf Wiedersehen, Pet. The shows can also go on for up to three hours.
Where does the show take place?
The show, first held in 2000, had been presented at Newcastle City Hall for nearly every performance. However, the demand for tickets began to far out-strip the supply. In 2016 two shows sold out in a day and thousands of disappointed fans were unable to get tickets. In 2018, Sunday for Sammy re-located to Newcastle’s Utilita Arena where it has continued ever since.
Why did it start?
The show is a way of raising funds for creative, talented and enthusiastic young performing artists from the North East. Space is also made on the bill for some of the young performers who have received financial support from The Sunday for Sammy Trust, giving them a valuable opportunity to share the stage with some of the North East’s most high profile entertainers.
Who is behind it?
Actor Tim Healy is chairman of the Sunday for Sammy Trust – which supports local people interested in the arts – and is founder of the fundraiser. The actor is also a regular performer himself at the event which features a mix of comedy sketches, songs and musical performances. Lindisfarne’s Ray Laidlaw acts as the show’s producer.
(Image: inyourarea)
The 2023 cancellation
Sadly, the much-loved show was cancelled for 2023 due to the economic climate. Organisers also cited the rising costs of hosting the show and concerns over whether audiences could afford to buy tickets.
Tim Healy told of the decision to scrap the outing in a video which was shared by Denise Welch, herself a regular member of its cast. By 2022, around £600,000 had been handed out to help local young people in the entertainment world and much of that money came from ticket sales and from DVDs of the shows.
(Image: NEWCASTLE CHRONICLE)
Where are tickets bought?
In 2018, when Sunday for Sammy re-located to Newcastle’s Utilia Arena 5,000 tickets were available for each show, more than doubling the available tickets compared to previous years. Tickets are usually bought from the venue’s website or in person at the Box Office.
The ‘Run for Home’ finale
A defining moment of the show is when the band on stage at Sunday for Sammy strikes up the opening notes of Lindisfarne’s Run for Home. Thousands sing along to the hit. The sing-a-long is usually performed on stage by the entire cast.
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