Panto legend Alan McHugh and TV’s Call the Midwife star Laura Main have been announced as the hosts of the second Archie Foundation Variety Show.
Talented young magicians, dancers, singers and comedians who have been supported by The Archie Foundation or NHS Grampian are preparing to take to the stage next month to raise funds for the charity as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Alan hosted the inaugural Variety Show in 2024 and will be joined by Archie patron and Aberdonian Laura, who plays midwife Shelagh Turner in the popular BBC show.
This year’s much-anticipated event will be held at The Tivoli theatre in Aberdeen on Saturday, April 19, with a matinee added to the evening performance to meet demand.
Laura will take on hosting duties in the afternoon before joining Alan in the evening.
Alan McHugh
Sponsored by TEXO and supported by the Tivoli, the Variety Show will feature a range of exciting acts, including some of the children who took part last year and wanted to perform again.
Rehearsals are well underway and tickets are selling fast.
Organiser and Archie volunteer Cassie McGunnigle said Laura and Alan would be inspiring mentors for the young performers as well as star hosts.
“We are thrilled to have Alan and Laura on board as our hosts for the second Archie Foundation Variety Show,” she said. “As experienced theatre and TV actors they will be able to offer some words of advice and support to our team of performers as they prepare to step into the spotlight!
“We are busy putting together a fantastic show, which really celebrates the unique talents and abilities of every one of the children. Some are performing as a solo act, others as part of a group, and they are all working hard to practice and polish their acts.
“With the valued support of TEXO and the Tivoli Theatre, we are sure this year’s show will be an even bigger success and we’re excited to see everyone showing off their talents on April 19!”
Westhill-based industrial services provider TEXO is a long-time supporter of The Archie Foundation.
Paula Cormack, chief executive of The Archie Foundation, welcomed Laura and Alan to the Variety Show team.
“As a patron of Archie, Laura is a committed ambassador for the charity, while Alan is also a fantastic supporter of our work, including making an annual festive visit to the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital with the cast of the panto at His Majesty’s Theatre.
“The show is in safe hands with two such seasoned professionals as our hosts and we can’t wait to see these talented and inspiring children on stage, giving their all in front of packed audiences.”
For more information about support offered to babies, children and families by The Archie Foundation, visit https://archie.org/events/varietyshow/
To buy tickets for the 2025 Archie Foundation Variety Show, visit the Aberdeen Performing Arts website at https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/the-archie-foundation-variety-show-2025/