Following sell-out shows in 2018 and 2019, one of the Hospice Isle of Man’s Young Ambassadors, Alexandra Slater, is returning to the Gaiety stage this Saturday (August 28).

’The Greatest Variety Show 3 - Time to say Goodbye,’ sponsored by Zedra, promises to provide something for everyone as Alexandra has invited some of her very talented friends to join her on stage.

The show was originally scheduled to take place last September, but was delayed because of the pandemic. It was moved to March 6, but after the island saw a spike in coronavirus cases, a third lockdown quickly saw an end to that plan.

Not to be deterred, Alexandra saw the show rescheduled for this month, and a two-week break from school at the London School of Musical Theatre provided the opportunity to make sure it could go ahead unhindered this time around.

Whilst the show is entitled ’Time to Say Goodbye,’ Alexandra described it as maybe more of a ’See You Soon’.

She will be taking time to focus on her career in the coming years, with auditions coming up for some major West End shows, and a whole island surely wishing her luck.

She said: ’As soon as I get into a show, there’ll be less pressure, so then I can hopefully do another concert over here, which might be bigger - it might even move to the Villa Marina.’

It will certainly be a night to remember, featuring Alexandra, Jonathan Eio (who will sing, and also compère for the evening as James Davis has been forced to pull out because of illness), David Artus, Joey Wylde, Matt Creer, Alex Toohey, Jonathan Sleight, Alex Maxwell, Mark Dougherty, Damian Kneale, Georgia Kneale (Maddocks), Olivia Landels, Susan Tummon, Michael Bonner, Ariel Amodeo Duran, Anna Tamarova, the Douglas town band, Steve Daykin, Manx Trinity Academy of Irish Dancers, Mannin Youth Dance, Christine Wild and Rachael Wild.

A few of the acts originally scheduled to perform couldn’t take part this time around, but others have filled their places.

All money raised on the night will benefit Hospice Isle of Man, a cause dear to Alexandra’s heart.

She said: ’My grandad was in their care a few years back and as he said "They’re all angels at Hospice" so I want to give back, for what they gave to my family and all the care they gave to my grandad.’

The previous two variety shows raised money towards new beds, new equipment and building work, and the money raised this time will undoubtedly make a similar impact.

The audience can expect ’some big show stoppers and breathtaking performances - it truly is the greatest variety show,’ says Alexandra.

’We’ve got all Manx talent - loads of singers, lots of dancers, acrobatics, all sorts.

’I’m singing a range of songs, from classical, to pop, to musical theatre, a bit of Disney... There’s something for everyone.’

So does she still get nervous, or is she an old hand at this point?

’I’m still nervous, but it’s good nerves. I’d be worried if I wasn’t nervous, you know?

’I’m always excited. I can’t wait. It’s such a thrill to finally do it.

’We’ve still got a couple of tickets to sell, but I think it will be a full house. I’m really excited.’

For fans of musical theatre, songs featured will include show-stoppers from Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Wicked, Spamalot, Moulin Rouge and Miss Saigon - to name just a few.

Tickets start at £15 - for OAPs/Under 16s - and are available now.