Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

An Evening With Stewart White, a fundraising gala encompassing music, comedy and chat for Children in Need, plays host to an array of entertainers including East Anglia's Opera Babes and Norfolk's The Nimmo Twins.

In the Opera Babe's impressive portfolio of entertainment, they have played shows in Las Vegas and at football's prestigious FA Cup final.

Karen England and Rebecca Knight from the group have certainly been busy lately. Karen has recently given birth to a child, with Rebecca expecting one very soon, but away from babies they are currently on tour celebrating 10 years of singing together and are busy putting together a new album.

Glitz, glamour and Pudsey

Despite the girl's heavy workload, they can't wait to work with Stewart White on this year's glitzy Children in Need performance at the Norwich Theatre Royal. Last year's show was most definitely one for the girlsΜύto remember.

Rebecca Knight (left) and Karen England

"Last year's gala evening was brilliant. It was a fantastic night because everybody rallied together from all different genres of music and you got thrown into the musical stew, with Stu! It was lovely," said Rebecca.

"I particularly enjoyed dancing with Pudsey Bear, but he was very hot to hold! It was my favourite moment along with singing Mr Tambourine Man with Stewart, even though I didn’t know the words," said Karen.

The star of the show

Both Karen and Rebecca had extremely kind words for our very own star of the show.

"Stewart was much better than I thought he would be. He'd certainly downplayed his musical talent!" said Rebecca.

"You get to come along and see a variety of artists on the stage all performing together," she added.

Fun aside, Karen knows the purpose of the show is to promote a very worthwhile charity.

"You get to support Children in Need, which is fantastic, plus it’s a lovely feel-good evening. Everybody has a fantastic night. We haven't decided what we're performing yet - it’ll be a great surprise to us and the audience!" laughed Karen.

The Nimmo Twins

Norfolk's comedy duo

Karl Minns, one half of the Norwich based comedy duo The Nimmo Twins, is also relishing the opportunity to perform after unfortunately having to cancel last year.

"I'm very much looking forward to the performance. We've never played the venue before and I learned my trade at the assembly house next door, so it's particularly special," said Karl.

"I think it will be great fun and it's a fantastic charity, so we will be honoured to be there," he added.

Closer to home

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Look East's weather girl Julie Reinger is somewhat nervous about taking over the reigns of singing at the event, where Stewart provided the vocals last year. Julie will be taking the microphone but admits she's feeling rather anxious.

"Why, oh why, oh why did I agree to sing?," said Julie.

Julie will be doing a turn

"People are only just getting over Stewart's Mr Tambourine Man," she laughed.

The show is being filmed and the highlights will be broadcasting on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Look East and on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One during the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Children in Need appeal night on Friday, 14 November, 2008.

Tickets are on sale priced from Β£14.50 to Β£19.50. For more details contact the Theatre Royal box office on 01603 630000.

The full list of acts:

Rick Wakeman:

A former member of 1970's Progressive Rock act Yes, 59 year old Rick Wakeman is certainly well known for his ambitious creativity as a pioneering keyboard player.

Dame Evelyn Glennie:

The Dame is an inspirational solo percussionist, not only for her musical ability but for the fact that she is also deaf, creating tonal melodies through the feel of musical vibrations.

The Opera Babes:

Hailing from East Anglia, Karen England and Rebecca Knight have cracked the worldwide classical charts with their modern take on the grandiose genre.

Nimmo Twins:

The comedy sketch duo hailing from Norfolk are best known for their yearly sketch show Normal for Norfolk that pulls in audiences of thousands.

Oli Brown Band:

Hailing from Sco Ruston, youngster Oli Brown and his band Fred Hollis and Simon Dring are signed to the prestigious Blues label Ruf Records and have performed a high profile Maida Vale session for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2.

Pudsey and Julie Reinger:

Pudsey, the cuddly face of Children In Need, is back and performing with Stewart's studio companion, Look East's very own weather girl and sing-stress Julie Reinger.

MC Stephen Bumfrey:

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Norfolk's breakfast show host Steven will MC the evening and hopes that he will be able to get a quick dance with Pudsey too.

Harry the Pianist:

Performing as a special guest on the Opera Babes Autumn 2008 tour, Harry is quoted by Jonathan Ross as being "The best pianist in the civilised world".

Mark Cundy:

Mark is a particular hero of Pudsey's, as this year he walked all the way from Sheffield to Leeds simply to raise money for Children In Need 2008.