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Guide Dogs and the Mayor of Woking meet Kym Marsh and the cast of 101 Dalmatians at New Victoria Theatre
18th October 2024
Last week, the New Victoria Theatre in Woking welcomed some very special guests for a heartwarming encounter that combined theatre magic with charitable efforts.
The cast of 101 Dalmatians the Musical, led by Hear’Say star and actress Kym Marsh as Cruella de Vil, had the privilege of meeting real-life guide dogs and puppies in training from the charity Guide Dogs UK, along with Woking’s very own Mayor.
The Guide Dogs charity spent the week at the theatre, and with thanks to the generosity of Woking audiences, raised an impressive £2,115 through bucket collections after each performance. The funds will go towards the incredible work Guide Dogs do in helping people with sight loss lead independent lives.
In a special behind-the-scenes moment, the cast of 101 Dalmatians the Musical – in full costume – were joined on stage by the working guide dogs and puppies in training, creating a paw-sitely memorable moment. The guide dogs even had the chance to interact with the show’s dalmatian puppets, giving their official tail wag of approval.
Sandi Johnson, Community Fundraising Relationship Manager for Guide Dogs, was thrilled by the support from Woking audiences: “My guide dog, Kane, and I, along with our local fundraisers, have felt incredibly welcome at the New Victoria Theatre this week,” she said. “We can’t thank you enough for the generosity and enthusiasm”.
The Mayor of Woking also joined the barkingly brilliant fun, attending the press performance and participating in the photocall with the cast and guide dogs.
The venue’s social media saw a boost in activity after the event, with a reel capturing the backstage magic gaining 75,000 views and over 1,300 likes on Instagram, thanks to a collaboration with Kym Marsh.
LINK: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DA86cXVN8S9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
New Victoria Theatre remains committed to accessibility and inclusivity, with plans to welcome Guide Dogs back for training sessions on the stage during periods when the theatre is not in use.