A 25th-anniversary announcement is coming for Sunday for Sammy! Expect music, comedy, and many local celebrity guest appearances at the event.
Sunday for Sammy is known for local celebrities, though the lineup is a surprise for the audience. They support local performers in memory of Sammy Johnson. Live music and comedy sketches raise funds.
Sammy Johnson’s real name was Ronnie, and he grew up in Gateshead. He played bass in a Newcastle panto, which led to acting roles. He starred as ‘Stick’ in “Spender,” written by Jimmy Nail and Ian La Frenais. Sammy started writing scripts after his success, but he died in Spain in 1998, collapsing while jogging at age 49.
The show is called “The Geordie Command Performance” and happens every other year, always selling out quickly. Singers, actors, and musicians perform songs and sketches. They raise money for new entertainers, honoring Sammy Johnson. Many local celebrities usually participate, including Brenda Blethyn, Joe McElderry, and Ant and Dec. Shows can last up to three hours.
The show started in 2000 at Newcastle City Hall. Ticket demand grew too high, and two shows sold out in a day in 2016. Many fans could not get tickets, so Sunday for Sammy moved to the Utilita Arena in 2018, where it has been ever since.
The show raises funds for young artists from the North East. Some young performers get support from The Sunday for Sammy Trust. They share the stage with famous entertainers.
Tim Healy chairs The Sunday for Sammy Trust; he also founded the fundraiser. The Trust helps local people in the arts, and Healy performs in the show himself. Ray Laidlaw of Lindisfarne produces the show, with comedy, songs, and music.
The 2023 show was cancelled due to organizers’ concerns about the economy. Rising costs and ticket affordability were factors, and Tim Healy announced the cancellation in a video that Denise Welch shared. The trust gave out £600,000 by 2022. Ticket sales and DVDs funded this, helping local young talents.
In 2018, when the show moved to the Utilita Arena, each show had 5,000 tickets available, doubling the tickets. you can buy tickets online. The venue’s website sells them, and you can also buy them at the Box Office.
“Run for Home” by Lindisfarne is the finale. The band plays the opening notes, and thousands of people sing along. The entire cast performs it on stage.
