In Manlia (The Philippines) the Tuloy Foundation helps keep abandoned, abused and lost orphans off of the streets and raises them in a safe environment. Mamma Mia star Katy Osborne was so inspired by her trip to Manlia that she organised The Philippine Dream, a one night cabaret show at the Leicester Square Theatre to help raise money to build an arts centre for the children.
A star studded line up of West End performers including Charlotte Riby, Dianne Pilkington, Daniel Buckley and Summer Strallen came together to help support this amazing cause. The shows co-producer Harry Francis gave a tap-tastic rendition of ‘I Can Do That’ from A Chorus Line which he recently performed in at the London Palladium.
The cast of Miss Saigon came together on this special evening to support a cause very close to their hearts as The Engineer, Jon Jon Briones, was taken in as a child by the Tuloy Foundation. Philippine Pop Star Rachelle Ann Go gave a riff-tastic performance of ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ from The Wizard of Oz and Hugh Maynard surprised the crowd with a heartfelt rendition of the Radiohead song ‘Creep’. Helped out by Miss Saigon’s leading lady, Eva Noblezada, the trio treated the audience to three songs from Miss Saigon including Movie In My Mind and Bui Doi.
Other highlights from the night included Summer Strallens performance of Andrew Lippas ‘Life of the Party’ and Dianne Pilkingtons ‘Memory’ from Cats. Comedy was brought to the evening by Philippine Drag Queen, Lady Imelda, who trawled through the audience with a glass balanced on her head, collecting donations.
Katy Osborne returned to the stage with co-producer Harry Francis (Francis Hume Productions) and vowed not to stop fund raising until she has reached her goal and can return to Manlia in November 2014 to build the centre.
A great night seeing so many people come together to raise money for a very worth while case.
Reviewed by West End Wilma