Putting on the Glitz! London Theatre Direct's 18th Birthday Charity Gala at Cafe de Paris
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The stars came out to shine in full force for [London Theatre Direct](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/)'s lavish Birthday party at **[Cafe de Paris](http://www.cafedeparis.com)** on Thursday 3rd August to mark the company's 18th birthday. London Theatre Direct threw the glittering event both as a celebration and also a thank you to their extended West End family. The star-studded charity gala event was held in conjunction with the **[Make A Difference Trust](https://www.madtrust.org.uk/)**, which raises money to fight HIV and AIDS in the UK and sub-Saharan Africa.
West End leading ladies **Claire Sweeney**, **Brenda Edwards** and **Jodie Prenger** were all dressed to the nines and rubbed shoulders with perky Strictly newcomers **AJ Pritchard**, **Chloe Hewitt** and **Dianne Buswell**. **Sandra Dickinson** and **Matthew Scott** hotfooted over from The Arts Theatre when the curtain came down on **[I Loved Lucy](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/2753/i-loved-lucy-tickets.aspx)**, as did the cast of **[Dreamgirls](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/2252/dreamgirls-tickets.aspx)** from the Savoy.
Allo Allo's timeless beauty **Vicki Michelle**, singer **Nathan Sykes**, ex Eastender **Maisie Smith**, S Club 7's **Paul Cattermole** and A Place In The Sun's **Scarlette Douglas** all rocked the red carpet and posed for the paps before enjoying the evening's entertainment. Cheeky compere **Jamie Harrison** kept the four hundred plus Theatreland guests in check and seamlessly introduced a back to back line up of performances as the evening progressed. The entertainment opened with the winner of LTD's "Fancy Being A Star?" contest who got the chance to perform in front of a room of eagle-eyed industry bigwigs. Surprisingly nerve-free, **[Emeline Phinney](https://twitter.com/emeline_phinney)** raised the roof with a pitch perfect performance of **[The Wizard And I](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99SgDvoqXSg)** from **[Wicked](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/384/wicked-tickets.aspx)**.
90s pop legend **[Kavana](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwPsI13muyfnnaVruUHQxJQ)** had everyone busting a move during his set which included his self-proclaimed albatross but party favourite I Can Make You Feel Good and X Factor's **[Chloe Paige](https://www.youtube.com/user/ChloePaigeMusic)**'s rendition of I Will Survive was even more knockout than her stunning floor-length white dress. West End favourite **[Caroline Sheen](https://twitter.com/SheenCaroline)** marked the company's landmark eighteen years with tracks from both 1999 and present day before the guests were treated to a preview from the super talented cast of the upcoming revival of **[Five Guys Named Moe](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/2677/five-guys-named-moe-tickets.aspx)**. Eye-catching popstars **[Blonde Electra](http://www.blondeelectra.com/)** then powered through four of their tracks including shimmering new single **[Let's Touch](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6ZmkjGe0MI)**.
Not wanting to miss the fun, a number of West End performers left their own stages only to perform again for the auspicious event. At midnight the heat was turned up with a sizzling performance from **[West End Bares](https://www.madtrust.org.uk/event/west-end-bares/)** who gave us a sneak peek of their upcoming show, Wizard Of Oz-themed [Ruby Strippers](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/2778/west-end-bares-2017-tickets.aspx), before the fabulous ladies of **[MAD Drag](https://twitter.com/MADDragNight)** built the crowd into a frenzy and gave them a thirst for [All T, No Shade!](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/2767/a-mad-drag-night-all-t-no-shade-tickets.aspx) which hits Cafe de Paris on 27th August.
A confetti explosion then marked the end of the acts - but not the night - as the remaining guests with the most stamina then danced the night away into the wee small hours with a thumping DJ set.
Ladies and gentlemen, what a night! Cheers to 18 Years!