Cast to host black-tie fundraising gala dinner as part of tenth-year anniversary celebrations

On Wednesday 06 September, the day of their official tenth birthday, Cast will be hosting a special black-tie gala dinner to raise funds for the incredible work they do for the cultural life of Doncaster, both on and off their stages; enriching the lives of people in and around Doncaster through the transformative power of engagement with the arts. Notable guests include Labour MP for Doncaster North and Shadow Secretary of State of Climate Change and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, and South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard.

Diners will be seated on Cast’s Main Stage, with a view of the stunning auditorium. There will be performances from Charlotte Tonkinson and other dancers of the prestigious Royal Ballet, and music from Doncaster-based R&B and soul artist Rumbi Tauro as well as from young people of Cast’s Youth Theatre, performing a song from their summer production of Time Casters. Guests will also have the opportunity to bid on exclusive prizes in a fundraising auction. 

The gala is sponsored by award-winning land and development company Fenwood Estates and family-run investment, construction and development company Vigo Group. The event’s sumptuous three-course meal will be provided by South Yorkshire-based corporate catering specialists, Colossal Catering, with almost all ingredients sourced from around Doncaster and from local vendors.

Further highlights for Cast’s 10th birthday year include/have included:

• Reflections in Colour: a series of short films following three young artists of colour in Doncaster; rapper David Walusimbi, activist and producer Olivia Jones, and photographer Rasha Kotaiche. Shot by Rajnish Madaan and animated by Natasha Clarke.  Part of Cast Digital Commissions (Thu 09 Feb).
• Children of The Night: a Cast commission, written and created by Doncaster-born writer Danielle Phillips, celebrating Doncaster ‘90s nightlife (Tue 21-Sat 25 Feb).
• The Odyssey – Episode 2: The Cyclops: a co-production with National Theatre Public Acts, written by Tajinder Singh Hayer and performed by a Doncaster community company (Sat 15-Sun 16 Apr).
• Time Casters: a Cast Youth Theatre production on the main stage, co-created by members of the Youth Theatre (Sat 15 Jul).
• Rapunzel and Rapunzel After Dark: balletLORENT return to Cast after ten years with a reimagining of a production from Cast’s opening season 10 years ago (Fri 08-Sat 09 Sept).
• The Glasshouse: a digital commission from Doncaster artist Wayne Sables. This will be a free event taking place on Sir Nigel Gresley outside Cast (Fri 03 Nov, 6.30pm-8.30pm).
• Beauty and the Beast: an original take on the family favourite Cast pantomime, written by Neil Hurst and directed by Tess Seddon (Thu 30 Nov-Sun 31 Dec).