Cancer charity show gets Johnny Depp backing

Buy photos» Sue Verity and Nigel Davey with the picture signed by Johnny Depp. Picture by Tara Akins. s

Tristan Harris

06 September. Updated: 06 September 00:09

REDNAL film producer Nigel Davey and Droitwich writer Monica Price have joined forces to put together a show full of stars which will raise awareness of and cash for four cancer charities.

Survive, which will be performed at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre on September 30, will benefit the Teenage Cancer Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support, EVE appeal and The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

The production, which features Les Dennis, Hannah Waterman, Sarah Manners, Jean Boht and Emma Stephens, centres around characters stuck at a railway station after their train is delayed. As they wait for it to arrive, each character tells a story about how they have lived life to the full after surviving cancer.

The characters include Alexandra, the high-flying corporate lawyer, Grace, the station cleaner, teenager Emily on her way to a concert, Debbie a school teacher and Angela from the media world. There is also salesman Mike who has flown in a from New York and true English gent Howard.

As well as the stars and music from London's West End Gospel Choir, Judi Dench is also the patron of the uplifting show, which has received the backing of Johnny Depp as well.

Whilst shooting his new film 'Tim Burton's Dark Shadows' at Pinewood Studios, the Hollywood star heard about the stage production and lent his support to it by signing an original painting of himself by Sutton Coldfield artist Sue Verity.

The piece will be auctioned during October in aid of the production, along with prints also signed by him.

To thank Johnny Depp for supporting the show, Nigel and Sue gave him an original painting of Keith Richards.

Mr Davey said: "To get any new show on stage is hard work, but myself and Monica wanted this stage show to happen in aid
of the charities, so to get the support from someone like Johnny Depp is an unbelievable boost, he is a true gent."

To say thank you to Johnny Depp for supporting the stage show, Nigel and artist Sue gave him an original painting of Keith Richards.

Artist Ms Verity added: "'I painted Johnny's portrait two years ago and for some reason I had a feeling one day he would sign it, so meeting Nigel Davey the producer of the stage show worked out perfectly because not only has Johnny signed the art but it will be sold for a great cause, and I am glad he liked his painting of Keith Richards.''

Survive! takes place at Birmingham Alexandra Theatre at 7.30pm at the Alexandra Theatre.

Standard readers can use the promotional code SURVIVE241 to get two-for-one tickets.

For more, or tickets, call 0844 871 3011 or visit: www.alexandratheatre.org.uk

For more on the show, visit: www.surviveshow.com