Variety group bringing the show to Hartlepool homes despite lockdown

Phoenix Variety Showgroup held regular performances in homes across the town to entertain residents and raise thousands of pounds for local charities.

Since the coronavirus pandemic they have not been able to do that.

So instead, band member Derrick Rowbotham has made a DVD of past performances that is being distributed free to all the registered homes and care complexes in the town.

Derrick said: “We are missing entertaining the care homes and they are missing us too for some relief under these conditions.

"Unfortunately we haven’t been able to get into the homes for much of this year.

"The DVD is 64 minutes of entertainment that I have edited together from various shows we had filmed in complexes like Hartfields Manor.

"Hopefully, it will raise a few spirits.”

And the group have promised to return to live performances when they are allowed.

Derrick added: “To all our friends out there, and to all people struggling with loneliness and feeling isolated and in need, please stay strong and safe we will be there for you in the near future, we love you, we will meet again.”

One hundred of the DVDs have been produced in the first batch and further orders are mounting up.

Hartlepool Borough Council and leader Shane Moore are helping to distribute them to homes across the town.

The Phoenix Variety Showgroup is made up of seven local musicians who play keyboards, guitars, ukuleles, drums, and male and female lead vocalists. They sing popular songs from the 1960s onwards.

Between December 2018 and 2019 the group helped to raise around £13,000 for causes including St Aidan’s Church, Alice House Hospice and Hartlepool RNLI.

They have also held shows to raise funds for the restoration of Dunkirk ship Watchful (Coronia) berthed at Hartlepool Marina.

The DVD will be on general sale shortly. Details of the charity that will benefit from the proceeds have yet to be announced.

Anyone interested in getting a copy can contact Derrick on Facebook or email: [email protected]

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