Cast members from The Addams Family have helped raise thousands of pounds for Ukraine.
Blyth Music and Theatre Company’s amateur dramatic society has been running the family comedy play at the Phoenix Theatre.
Cast member John Paul Hofileña, 29, who played the part of Uncle Fester decided to shave his hair for the show and has asked for donations to go to the British Red Cross DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal via a Justgiving page where he has raised £355 so far.
He was due to wear a bald cap for the part but he decided to go one step further for a good cause.
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The idea of donating money for Ukraine came up as a suggestion by the cast and he decided to = just to shave off his hair.
John said: “I was already thinking about it maybe two weeks before production week as I’ve had nothing but problems after problems with the bald cap (even though I told myself I won’t be shaving my hair off when I get the part, no matter what).”
The character Uncle Fester is bald, and John didn’t want to go on the stage not looking like the part, but he felt he wouldn’t be confident to perform with his new look. Soon after, he knew he had better reasons to shave his hair off.
He said: “I was actually surprised when I saw myself in the mirror. Even more surprised when I was told by the cast that I suit the look!
“This is the second time I’ve been bald in my life. The first time was when I was a kid, I don’t remember how I looked. I only remember that I was laughed at when I went to class with no hair.
“I actually quite like the look. It’s different but in a good way. I’m still getting used to not using shampoo and conditioner but my muscle memory is still there.”
John was inspired to raise money for Ukraine after seeing his mother sending supply boxes to the Philippines for her family. He always wanted to do something similar.
He added: “Judging by the current events that are happening in the world right now, we (Blyth Music & Theatre Company) decided to help the people of Ukraine.
“We know that it will take a lot of time, effort, and money to even make the situation somewhat better for the people in Ukraine despite the irreversible devastation.”
Graeme Sutherland, director of media and communications, said: “For the last two weeks, we have watched the spectacle of devastation and human misery unfolding in Ukraine. Homes were reduced to rubble. Families fleeing for safety from an army intent on destroying their country, and their way of life.
“Charities such as the Red Cross are working with the refugees from Ukraine to provide aid and comfort, but urgently need funds to provide basic necessities – clothing, blankets, shelter, food, and clean water and medical care.
“Every donation, however small, adds up. And at the end of the week, whatever has been donated will be matched pound for pound by the Blyth Music and Theatre Company and will go to the Red Cross Ukraine Appeal.”
Over five performances, a grand total of £3,524 has been donated to the charity.
