The much-loved Sunday for Sammy show will not be going ahead next year after all, it has been announced - and the current economic climate is to blame, with organisers citing rising costs of hosting the show and concerns over whether audiences could afford to buy tickets.
In news that will disappoint fans of the biennial Newcastle event, dubbed the 'Geordie command performance', Tim Healy has told of the decision to scrap the 2023 outing due to the cost of living crisis. The popular actor, who is chairman of the Sunday for Sammy Trust which distributes funds raised by the charity show, explained the 'reluctant' decision to pull the plug in a video which was shared by Denise Welch, herself a regular member of its cast.
The show, which features North East stars on a line-up of music performances and comedy sketches, has not taken place since February 2020. It was cancelled this year due to continuing concerns over Covid and postponed until 2023 when it was due to return for its usual two performances in one day at the city's Utilita Arena.
