A special West End musical concert titled There’s No Place Like Home will be held at the Lyric Theatre in London to launch a new anti-bullying charity.
The musical event, hosted by West End and TV star Jodie Prenger – currently in Coronation Street – will help launch the Charlie Kristensen Foundation, an anti-bullying charity, named after the 13-year old anti-bullying campaigner, stage and screen actor.
Kristensen first launched the “#CheerUpCharlie” campaign in 2019 following months of bullying due to his love of musical theatre. Two years later, he was recognised with a Diana Award – the highest accolade a young person can achieve for social action or humanitarian efforts. The same year, Kristensen was also recognised with a special “Angel” award at the WhatsOnStage Awards.
He said today: “When this all began, my dream was to form a charity so we could be the voice that children need. I would like the Charlie Kristensen Foundation to be associated with acceptance and to encourage children to be who they want to be, not what society thinks they should be. Our first concert is a chance to raise awareness of the charity, whilst reminding the world just how life-changing – and fabulous – theatre can be.”
The foundation includes chair Jamie Read, as well as trustees and patrons Nikki Bentley, Dominic Ferris, Danyl Johnson, Nathaniel Morrison, Will Poulter, Prenger, Sam Retford and Ben Stock.
Hosted by Jodie Prenger, the concert will feature a ten-strong band and guest appearances by top West End stars. The show is directed by Dean Johnson. Other creatives involved include: musical direction by Ellie Verkerk, choreography by Khiley Williams and lighting design by Joseph Ed Thomas.
There’s No Place Like Home will take place at the Lyric Theatre on 22 October 2023.
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