BBC News - Monday, 13 August, 2001
Event partners BBC Wales announced A1, Damage and Sinead O'Connor will also join the line-up for the ShowTime @ The Stadium spectacular in Cardiff on 20 October.
The brainchild of former Live Aid organiser Midge Ure, the event is being staged with the Red Hot AIDS charity and will feature a blend of contemporary artists performing classic stage musical tunes.
Top of the pops trio Atomic Kitten, and singers Charlotte Church, Petula Clarke and Russell Watson will also draw the crowds to the stadium and more acts are to be announced in a few weeks.
The show will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 2 and BBC One will show highlights.
Steps are also set to perform at a special day for their fans at Legoland in Berkshire on 25 August.
Charity event
The Red Hot AIDS Charitable Trust is an independent charity which raises and distributes funds for community-based HIV/AIDS prevention work and education amongst population groups around the world at high risk of infection and illness
The show will be directed by international stage producer, Francesca Zambello, and artists will be backed by a 60-piece orchestra and a gospel choir.
Former Ultravox front man Ure is musical director for the event, which will kick off the bi-annual International Festival of Musical Theatre in Cardiff. The festival begins in October 2002.
Confirmation of the event came at a press conference in the Millennium Stadium in July.
Actress and Red Hot AIDS patron Jean Simmons said: "It gives me great pleasure to be part of ShowTime @ The Stadium where many great artists will be performing in this superb stadium in October to raise much needed funding for the global struggle against HIV and AIDS."
Super stadium
The Millennium Stadium is staking a bold claim to be the UK's top venue for entertainment and sport.
Robbie Williams and the Stereophonics recently played at the giant stadium and the FA Cup and Charity Shield, which Liverpool won on Sunday, are helping to ensure Cardiff is the home of English football.
Ure, who helped Bob Geldof stage the groundbreaking Live Aid concert in 1985, said: "This is definitely not Live Aid II this is a very different concept.
"We are talking about bringing in songs from Broadway... so it's not just musicians - there will be dancers and a variety of performers.
"Seeing guys like Atomic Kitten perform something from a West End show will be absolutely unique."
Cast of thousands
Organisers say that there will be a cast of thousands involved in the production from gospel choirs to dancers.
Atomic Kitten's Liz said at the announcement: "We're thinking of putting on from cabaret and if someone gives a huge donation to the Red Hot charity then we'll wear some skimpy outfits."
"But not too skimpy because it is a family show."
010813
BB010816
Copyright © 2001 - BBC. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the BBC.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2001. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2001. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.
.