A group of bikers connected to entertainment on a long fun-ride raising money for good causes, the idea for The First Night Riders (motto Out of the Wings and into the Wind) came out of the tyre tracks of America’s Long Reach Long Riders. The initial event for the First Night Riders, in 2010, will raise money for The Theatrical Guild, one of the UK’s longest serving theatrical charities which offers support to those working backstage and front of house.
Launched at PLASA ’09 by Brian Conley and Liz Robertson, both currently starring in Hairspray, Issy van Randwyck of Fascinating Aida and actress Fiona Mollison, the event has already enlisted the following riders (subject to work commitments): Richard Bullimore, Steve Colley, Neil Collins, David Edelstein, George Ellerington, Ric Green, Darrell Hewitt, Simon Le Bon, Simon Nichols, Michael Powell and Bill Sapsis from the USA, with the newest recruit, John Barnes, being signed up at the press launch! The chase cars will be driven by Stephen Pennington and Brenda Edelstein, and Robert Hamilton and Scott Miller from Canada.
Starting on Friday 5 June 2010, the round Britain ride will take in new, interesting and historically significant theatres around the UK, visiting one or two each day. The start and finish will be in London, but the route is still in the planning stages. However, it is hoped that each theatre will give the riders a tour of the venue, some hospitality and possibly tickets for a show. The ride will finish on Saturday June 12, in time for the 2010 Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference, which opens the following day.
Among the associations and companies that have already pledged sponsorship are ABTT, Blitz Sound, Cameron Mackintosh, ETC, Hall Stage, Harmer PR, Howard Eaton, J&C Joel, PLASA, Prompt Side and Triple E Ltd.
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