On the 14th September at PLASA 2010, organisers of the First Night Riders (FNR), Brenda Edelstein and Triple E Managing Director, David Edelstein, announced the 2011 route for its second charity motorbike ride.
Surrounded by stars of the stage, screen, and television including: James Fleet, Cyril Nri, Trevor Peacock, Peter Benson, and Phyllida Law, David Edelstein explained the FNR’s mission to raise money for The Theatrical Guild (TTG). TTG is a unique charity that supports active and former backstage and front of house employees that have hit hardship or require support.
The 2011 event follows hot on the wheels of the hugely successful 2010 inaugural First Night Ride. Last June an international posse of entertainment and backstage professionals raised a phenomenal £10,000 by motor-biking around some of the UK’s most historic and interesting theatres.
In just eight days they travelled from London’s National Theatre down to East Sussex’s Glyndebourne then up to Scotland’s Tron via Bath, Wales and the Lake District. In all they visited over 18 theatres including: Leicester’s Curve, Stratford Upon Avon’s Royal Shakespeare Theatre and finishing up at London’s Hampstead Theatre – a gruelling itinerary by anyone’s standard!
2011’s ride will be just as thrilling; with new participants already signed up and an enviable route, it promises to be a stimulating and fun event.
TTG's President, Phyllida Law said at the launch: “We’re delighted with the interest already expressed in 2011’s First Night Ride. We’ve had tremendous support from theatres, corporate sponsors, and individuals from the entertainment industry. I’m actually intending to do the ride in a sidecar alongside James Fleet!”