THE stage is set for the first ever Salisbury Variety Show, which takes place at Salisbury Playhouse on Sunday.

Talented singers, dancers and performers of all ages are coming together to show what they can do and raise money for Salisbury District Hospital’s Stars Appeal.

Many of those taking part grew up in Salisbury and have gone on to enjoy success as professional performers.

Others, including the young members of street dance crew Elevate and the Starcast Performing Arts Academy, might be the stars of the future.

The packed bill includes performances by Sandy Ince of Sticky Toffee Jazz, Evolution Show Choir and male four-piece The Imaginations, who have appeared on ITV’s X Factor and at venues all over the world.

Former Butlins Redcoat and drama teacher Kaytee Symes will also be singing at Salisbury Variety Show ahead of setting sail as a cruise ship entertainer, along with 15- year-old Joe Yandell, a former chorister and music scholarship student who performs pop and musical theatre.

The show will also feature popular groups Ladies Night Live and Funk Soul Sista, and acclaimed singers Duncan Heather and Damian Hayes.

“Salisbury has such a wealth of talent,”

said show organiser, Lilli Badcock. “People don’t need to go to the West End or watch the X Factor; it is all here on our doorstep.

“There is a host of home grown talent from Salisbury – people who have gone on to sing and dance for a living - and I’m delighted that so many of them are coming back to Salisbury Playhouse for this special show.

“I have been overwhelmed by the support for this idea; tickets are selling fast and its really gathering momentum.

“I’d love for it to become something that is held every year. I think that as a city we do not have enough events to show off the depth of local talent.

“We should be proud of all the successful performers who come from Salisbury and give them the chance to perform for a local audience.”

From dancers as young as five, to talented teenagers and seasoned professionals, Salisbury Variety Show will show off the wide range of local talent.

Some performers will collaborate with each other to perform duets and pieces specially arranged for the show.

The event was the brainchild of former Spire FM presenter Chris Ewington, who is fighting lung and neck cancer.

His illness was detected by the CT scanner at Salisbury District Hospital and he wanted to hold an event to support the Stars Appeal, which last year raised £650,000 to buy a second scanner for the hospital.

“Although the money for the scanner has been raised, all the funds from this will support the excellent work of the Stars Appeal and the department where the new scanner will be based,” he said.

“We’re all really looking forward to the show and it’s going to be a great night out.”

* Tickets to Salisbury Variety Show, on Sunday, January 19 at 6.30pm, are £12 and are available from Salisbury Playhouse box office or by calling 01722 320333 (tickets are not being sold online and must be bought in advance).