The theme was the passing of the baton from one generation to the next and over 23 music theatre and variety stars aged from 12 to 83 strutted their amazing talents to support the Actors Benevolent Fund at the Opera Centre on Sunday 17 September.
This was our second gala cabaret and indoor picnic fundraiser, after the inaugural Cause Celeb which celebrated our 70th anniversary. Directed by Tyran Parke, Cause Celeb II presented a glittering line-up of music theatre and variety stars. Hosted by Simon Burke the cast included Daniel Belle, Elisa Colla, Martin Crewes, Blake Erickson, Natalie Gamsu, Nancye Hayes, Madeleine Jones, Wayne Scott Kermond, Warren Kermond, Zan Kermond, Max Lambert, Genevieve Lemon, Philip Lowe, Stephen Mahy, Kurt Phelan, Katrina Retallick, Garry Scale, Brittanie Shipway, Justin Smith, Geraldine Turner, Don Winsor, Sam Wood, Bali Padda and special guest appearance by the remarkable Missy Higgins. A sold-out room of delighted patrons enjoyed a picnic as they watched the artists accompanied by Michael Tyack working his magic at the piano as always.
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Cause Celeb also presented the opportunity for the launch of the new website by ABF Deputy Chair Glenn Hazeldine and young Indigenous actor Sharni McDermott. It marked the beginning of a new era for ABF and an opportunity to announce a lineup of Ambassadors: Patrick McIntyre, Leah Purcell, Simon Burke AO, Noeline Brown, Jan Sundell OAM and Ros Horin. They will help to spread the message that ABF is there to provide help to our colleagues in their greatest time of need.
The next Cause Celeb will be in 2019 so watch out for the booking announcement.