STARS SET TO SHINE AS TICKETS GO ON SALE FOR ARCHIE’S BIGGEST VARIETY SHOW YET
Tickets for The Archie Foundation Variety Show are now on sale, with hundreds of supporters already preparing to take their seats at the iconic Tivoli Theatre on September 5.
Talented young dancers, magicians, singers and comedians who have been supported by The Archie Foundation or NHS Grampian will take to the stage to raise funds for the charity.
One youngster gearing up to make her Variety Show debut is Millie Davidson, who has a gastrostomy tube. Aged just five, she is one of the youngest participants in this year’s talent showcase and will be singing and dancing to the song ‘Six’ from the musical Six. Millie’s mum, Kirsty, said: “Millie loves to perform so when I saw the call for participants, I knew I had to sign her up. The song Millie has chosen to perform is usually sung by six people but she’s doing it all on her own, so she’s not given herself an easy task!”
Performing is already a big part of Millie’s life. She is a member of her local theatre group The Song Shop, appeared as a pumpkin in last year’s Cinderella pantomime and attends both Highland and street dance classes at Evolution and The Gordon School of Dancing.
However, for Kirsty, the Variety Show is about far more than showcasing talent.
“Taking part in the show has given Millie the chance to meet other children who have been through similar experiences to her, but instead of meeting in hospital, they’re meeting in a fun environment while being involved in something so exciting,” she said.
One way Archie has supported Millie and her family is by donating them a book titled ‘My Gastrostomy Tube’, which explains what the tube is and its purpose in a child-friendly way.
“What may seem like such a small thing has made the world of difference to Millie’s life. When she got her tube fitted, she had just started P1, so she was not only adjusting to a new environment but also to the foreign object now in her stomach,” said Kirsty.
“To help her adapt, Millie brought the book into school for her teacher to read to her classmates, helping them to understand what she’s going through and to answer any questions they may have as kids are naturally very curious. The book has also been a great help for Millie. I often find her sitting in her room with the book and she now answers with confidence when she is asked questions about her tube.”
Now in its third year, the Variety Show has become one of Archie’s most anticipated fundraising events, celebrating the resilience, creativity and achievements of children who have faced health and wellbeing challenges.
The Variety Show is generously endorsed by new headline sponsor Phil Anderson Financial Services and supported by the Tivoli, Airhop and Vivid Horizon, which is providing the live music for the show.
Archie volunteer and show organiser Cassie McGunnigle said: “This year is going to be the biggest Variety Show yet, with almost 30 young people signed up to showcase their talents.
“Rehearsals for the show are already underway, allowing the young people time to hone their performances and build their confidence when performing on stage ahead of September.
“The show gives children a chance to shine, celebrating everything they’ve overcome and creating memories that will last a lifetime. We can’t wait for audiences to see what they’ve been working so hard on.”
Returning to host the event are Scottish television and panto favourite Alan McHugh and Call the Midwife actress Laura Main, who will once again lead audiences through an unforgettable programme of entertainment.
This year’s show will include a matinee performance to give even more people the chance to enjoy the fun-filled family event. There will be a performance at 2.30pm and a second at 7.30pm.
Tickets are now available, priced at £24.50 for adults and £16.50 for under 16s. All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting Archie’s vital work.
To anyone thinking of attending the show, Kirsty said: “All the young people who are taking part have been through so much, yet they get on the stage and give it their all. It’s a night to celebrate them and their amazing talents. I guarantee you’ll leave with a smile on your face.”
Archie has helped children and families across the north of Scotland for more than 25 years, funding specialist roles and projects at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital and, more recently, at Highland Children’s Unit, Tayside Children’s Hospital and Dr Gray’s Hospital, Elgin.
Due to the specialised treatment Millie requires, she attends both Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital and Tayside Children’s Hospital, with some of her nursing team set to take on the Dundee Kiltwalk this August to raise funds for Archie.
To book tickets for The Archie Foundation Variety Show 2026, visit www.thetivolitheatre.com/whats-on/the-archie-foundation-variety-show-2
