Some of the country’s best performers will gather on stage at the Wellington Town Hall on Sunday 3 August to raise money for Save the Children’s work in Iraq.

The one-off show, dubbed Save the Children’s Great Night Out for Iraq, will feature star appearances and performances from Shortland Street’s Andrew Laing and Donogh Rees, Matrix star Frankie Stephens, music by Gareth Farr and leading singer/song writer Wayne Mason (Nature), comedy from renowned stage actors Miranda and Kate Harcourt and the voice of Aivale Cole, previously Mabel Faletolu, of Lord of the Rings fame.

Save the Children New Zealand’s Executive Director John Bowis said today that while the world’s focus has turned from Iraq, the situation for vulnerable children and their families was still dire.

“Children in Iraq are in desperate need as a result of war and more than a decade of international sanctions.

“The statistics speak for themselves: 3 million children in Iraq are chronically malnourished; one in 10 babies dies before he or she reaches their first birthday; 45% of women cannot read or write and 92% of hospitals lack basic medical supplies and equipment.

"All money raised from our Great Night Out will contribute towards Save the Children's relief and rehabilitation work in Iraq, providing hospitals with urgently needed medical supplies, clean water and food, renovating water and sewage systems throughout Iraq and providing chidlren with a sound education and safe environment after living through the chaos of war.

“We’re very grateful to all the artists and the Wellington City Council who have generously donated their time and venue free of charge. That means every dollar raised from our Great Night Out will directly help children."

Compered by Miranda Harcourt, the show will also feature flute and marumba performed by Bridget Douglas & Jeremy Fitzsimons, dance by Paul Jenden and Louis Solino of Fairy Stories and Hairy Maclary fame, blues and jazz from Jan Preston, music from Ray Mercer and Ban Abdul of Top Girls fame, comedy from Pinky Agnew, Lorae Parry and Sue Dunlop and performances from members of the local Wellington Iraqi Community.

The show will be held at the Wellington Town Hall on 3 August 2003 from 6-9pm. Tickets $40 for adults, $30 for concessions and $20 for children, available through Ticketek. Call 04 384 3840 or click here to book.

For more information call 04 385 6847 or email info@scnz.org.nz