Pembrokeshire has recently been treated to a fabulous West End performance right on its door step. Drew Baker, director and producer from the West End, who has recently directed ‘The Pirate Queen’ at London Coliseum in aid of Leukaemia UK, directed this amazing spectacular at Folly Farm, Begelly. “The West End comes to Wales” was hosted by Russell Grant and was accompanied by a live band and performers from Wicked, Billy Elliot and Les Miserables.

“In 2016 my sister, Amie, was diagnosed with Leukaemia – an illness I had only heard mention of but knew nothing about. It is so cliché to say that you never expect these awful diseases to affect members of your own family, but when they do it hits you like a tonne of bricks! When the fabulous nurses from Paul Sartori first came to visit Amie and my parents it was such a welcome relief. The support, kindness and care these nurses show and give is extraordinary.” Said Drew Baker.

Drew continued, “Being helpless and just watching a family member struggle through illness is debilitating in itself, so sometimes you turn to the only thing you know. For me, that is theatre. Having worked all of my life in entertainment and theatre the obvious thing to do was to bring a show to Wales to raise money for Paul Sartori and let Amie enjoy what she loves – musicals!”

“The West End comes to Wales” show was held in the Follies Theatre on Saturday 7th March. It was extremely successful and the theatre was packed out. The show also had an excellent performance from Jens Juniors, a Children’s theatre company based in Pembrokeshire. This fantastic performance raised over £7,000 for the local charity. Paul Sartori Hospice at Home enable Pembrokeshire people in the later stages of any life-limiting illness to be cared for and to die at home with dignity, independence, pain free and surrounded by those they hold most dear, if that is their wish.

“It was a fabulous night with incredible talent on the stage. The artists, directed by Drew Baker had travelled from the West End and they gave up their time for free to raise vital funds for Paul Sartori Hospice at Home. Also getting to watch the multi-talented Drew in action was awesome. A BIG thank you Drew, you have some wonderful friends.” Said Sandra Dade, Charity Manager at Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

Paul Sartori staff and volunteers helping to raise funds on the evening at Folly Farm