HOLLYOAKS STAR GERARD MCCARTHY TO PERFORM INTIMATE RAT PACK GIG FOR CHARITY

By Tina Calder
Photo by Fabrizio Belluschi

HOLLYOAKS star Gerard McCarthy is taking to the stage tonight (FRI) in aid of charity for a Rat Pack Night.
The Belfast born actor, who plays cross-dressing, bi-sexual Kris in the hit Channel 4 soap, is performing an intimate swing gig in aid of the Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse Centre.
Gerard, 25, a professionally trained singer and dancer, will belt out hits from the swing years from Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jnr and many other artists from the era.
He will emulate Robbie Williams sell-out Swing When Your Winning tour when he sings hits such as Mack The Knife, Mr BoJangles and Luck Be A Lady from the musical Guys and Dolls.
Speaking last night Gerard said he was very happy to give his support to such an important charity.
He said: “I found out about the Rape Crisis Centre through a friend of mine who fundraises for them and she told me of their ongoing funding crisis and valuable work.
“It’s such a pity that this subject is so taboo that facilities such as the Rape Crisis Centre are often shunned by people with public profiles because it is not a ‘fashionable’ charity to be involved with.
“The work the Rape Crisis Centre does is invaluable to society and I am only too pleased to put my name to the support of such a worthy cause”.
The Rat Pack Night will take place tonight at the 3 C’s club in Belfast city centre where Gerard will surprise guests who have dressed up in the era for the occasion with their favourite swing songs.
But the star, who is no stranger to the stage, having performed in Saturday Night Fever and many other hit musicals said he’s a little nervous about the gig.
Gerard admitted: “I only agreed to do this gig at the weekend but I’m very excited about it. However, at the same time I’m a little nervous, to sing songs by some of the most amazing artists to ever live is always going to have a little pressure”.
Joining Gerard is 5FM DJ Paul McKenna who has also donated his time free of charge. Paul will be keeping the music going until late.
Eileen Calder, Co-Director of the Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse Centre, said she was encouraged by both Gerard and Paul’s commitment to help the charity.
She added: “It’s not often we find celebrities who are willing to give up their time to come to our events let alone perform at them. In the past people like Christine Bleakley, Mike Nesbitt, Lynda Bryans and Myleene Klass have all given their time and we are grateful to each and every one of them.
“Not forgetting of course the ongoing efforts of fundraising volunteers of the Centre who organise events like these which help to provide much needed funds for the Centre and help to keep our doors open to survivors of sexual violence. Thanks Jacqui for The Rat Pack night”.
Admission tonight is £4, doors open 8pm and guests can join the casino, enter the ballot and many are even getting dressed in character for the evening.
For more information please call 07895095578 or email info@rapecrisisni.com

www.rapecrisisni.com