A rising star in the island’s music and theatre scene took the Gaiety Theatre by storm last weekend, in a concert laced with emotion.

Alexandra Slater sang, acted, danced and hosted her fund-raising concert, ’The Greatest variety Show’, and spent more than two hours on stage, helped along by a host of singers, dancers and performers.

Alexandra performed an astonishing range of music, from classical numbers, such as Pie Jesu with guest Sue Tummen, musical numbers, singing All I Ask of You, with her chosen guests Paul Costain, A Whole New World with Joey Wylde and songs from films, backed by the Douglas Town Band.

She also performed stunning solo, contemporary numbers, such as ’Bring Me To Life’.

The Mannin Youth dance group also appeared, performing a piece of contemporary dance and a group of young acrobats from the Asteria gymnastics group performed a display to based on the musical, Cats, described by Alexandra as ’beautiful’.

Mandy Griffin and Olivia Black sang a duet, accompanied by Katie Lawrence on the piano, and Katie also conducted the Ballacottier School choir, singing with Alexandra on The Prayer.

Alexandra organised the concert in aid of Hospice Isle of Man, for whom she is their young ambassador.

She dedicated Omio bambino Caro to her late Grandfather, who spent time in the Hospice, and she sang a poignant duet with singer Eugene Wilson, who is also a nurse at Hospice, performing their own version of Dancing on my Own.

In between the 13 songs and 11 costume changes over the course of the night, she also found time to perform her latin dance routine with Gianni Fabrizio, which won the recent Strictly Manx dance competition.

The evening ended with an emotional version of The World In Union, joined by all her guest stars.

She thanked the show’s compere, James Davies, and also sponsors Appleby.

Alexandra was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Sir Miles Walker, the chairman of Hospice Isle of Man, who thanked her for all her efforts in promoting and supporting the charity, and for her efforts in organising the concert.

by Mike Wade

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