Hit new immersive theatrical event Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular is set to appear in The Challenge Squad on BBC’s Children in Need in 2024.
For the second year, BBC Children in Need have teamed up with The One Show for major fundraiser The Challenge Squad, featuring inspirational young people who have benefitted from BBC Children in Need funding.
Last Friday, 25 October, on BBC’s The One Show, Come Alive! stars Simon Bailey and Aaliya Mai appeared on the show to give viewers a guided tour of the Come Alive! Big Top.
Also on the show was one of the Challenge Squad, 16 year old Ethan from Bridgend in Wales, who learnt from his mentor Alex Jones that he would be taking part in a special performance of Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular, on this year’s BBC Children in Need.
Ethan was diagnosed with Hurler Syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis type 1) at six months old, a rare condition that effects his growth, bones, hearing, and eyesight. Through a recommendation from his school, Ethan was introduced to UCAN, a BBC Children in Need supported creative arts charity for visually impaired children and young people. The therapy and mentorship provided by UCAN helped Ethan come to terms with the health challenges he faces and begin to look forward and to embrace life again.
Ethan is passionate about the theatre and loves to be on stage, and since starting UCAN has performed in several shows which have been transformative for his confidence and mental health.
Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular has been conceived and directed by Simon Hammerstein, and is inspired by the 20th Century Fox Motion Picture The Greatest Showman. Mixing theatre, dance and circus, the epic new show features hit The Greatest Showman songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
Ethan said on The One Show: “I’m being a part of Challenge Squad because I want to do this to show disabled people that we don’t need to be on the sidelines anymore – we can be out there with everybody… Acting has given me my confidence, and now I want to give back, so if you can give anything, please do.”
Come Alive! released a statement saying: “We are incredibly honoured to take part in BBC Children in Need 2024 and welcome Ethan into the Come Alive! family for this special performance. The magic of this show is all about embracing your true self and finding your voice, and Ethan’s journey embodies that spirit spectacularly. We can’t wait to share this unforgettable moment with him and all the viewers tuning in for such a meaningful cause.”
Viewers will be able to watch how Ethan’s challenge unfolds on The One Show (BBC One) in the run-up to the BBC Children in Need Appeal Show on Friday 15 November 2024.
Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular is now playing at the Empress Museum in Earl’s Court London, booking to 30 March 2025.
Book tickets to Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular at the Empress Museum London
Watch Children in Need 2024 on BBC iPlayer here
Donate to BBC Children in Need here
Empress Museum, London
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