Inaugural Carols By Cabaret at Hayes Theatre a festive success

Over $4800 has been donated to Sydney’s Wayside Chapel thanks to an intimate charity Christmas concert at the Hayes Theatre Company this week.

Produced by Marika Aubrey and Highway Run Productions at the little-venue-that-could in Potts Point, Carols By Cabaret celebrated the Christmas spirit, theatre style, and played to a sold-out audience on Monday night.

Sydney Theatre scene’s brightest talent took part in the event, which raised a total of $4869.48 for the Wayside Chapel, an organisation (let’s be honest, it’s an institution!) which breaks down the barriers of judgement and provides a safe place where people from all walks of life are welcome just to ‘be’.

Each year, thousands of people visit Wayside for assistance in gaining equitable access to essential health, welfare and related services. 9416 community meals, 6528 changes of clothing and 2131 applications of first aid and health support were administered by the Wayside Chapel staff this year and over 4774 members of the community visited Wayside to learn about their work.

Hilary Cole, Johanna Allen, Elise McCann, Toby Francis, Blake Erickson, Deborah Krizak, Tom Sharah, Queenie van de Zandt, Lucy Maunder, Shaun Rennie, David Campbell, Marika Aubrey and the theatre’s namesake Nancye Hayes herself donated their time and talents to spread the Wayside Chapel’s message of “Love Over Hate” this year.

“We were thrilled with the response to our first ever Carols By Cabaret event to raise money for The Wayside Chapel”, producer Marika Aubrey told AussieTheatre.

“Not only was it a celebration of all the venue has achieved in one short year, it galvanised our community on a day we really needed to be reminded of The Wayside’s motto ‘Love Over Hate’. Judging by the swift sell out with tickets, we will definitely look at doing the event again, but people will have to book quick!”

You heard it here first, ladies and gentlemen – Carols By Cabaret is likely to be back in 2015. It’s a long time to wait, so until then, stay safe, enjoy the 2014 festive season – whatever your beliefs –  and we will see you next year!

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