Southampton audiences come together through music to support cardiac charity

An evening celebrating some of musical theatre’s best-loved songs has brought audiences together in support of Hampshire cardiac charity Heartbeat, raising just shy of £400.

The annual Heart & Music fundraiser returned to The Point Theatre in Eastleigh, treating audiences to a spectacular celebration of the music of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber while supporting Heartbeat’s work with people living with congenital and cardiovascular disease.

The programme featured songs from some of musical theatre’s most iconic productions, including The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Sunset Boulevard and Starlight Express.

Proceeds from the event will support Heartbeat’s renovation of Rotary Heartbeat House, the charity’s dedicated home-from-home accommodation for families whose loved ones are receiving lifesaving and life-changing treatment at University Hospital Southampton. The extensive renovation project is ensuring the house is inclusive and has the accessible facilities to help cardiac family needs. It can also continue providing a welcoming, comfortable, and supportive environment for families during some of the most challenging periods of their lives, allowing them to remain close to those undergoing critical cardiac care when they need each other most.

Eliza O’Reilly, Head of Fundraising at Heartbeat said: "Heart & Music is a wonderful example of the power of community and how a shared love of music can make a real difference to the lives of others. Events like this not only bring people together for an inspiring and memorable evening, but also help ensure we can continue supporting heart patients and their families when they need it most.

It was incredibly moving to see so many people come together in support of Heartbeat and enjoy such a fantastic celebration of musical theatre. Every ticket purchased and every person who attended played a part in helping us continue our vital work. We are sincerely grateful to everyone who supported the event, from the performers and organisers to those who joined us on the night and helped make it such a success."