Clergy Review raises thousands for CAFOD

Clergy Review take a curtain call

Priests from around the country put on a roof-raising show at the famous Colston Hall in Bristol last Friday, 30 September, and raised more than £12,000 for the Catholic aid agency CAFOD.

The 30 priests and deacons from Clifton, Shrewsbury, Brentwood, Salford, Portsmouth and Westminster dioceses performed in the 'Clergy Revue' to a sell-out crowd of 1,700. The 'Clergy Revue' - a traditional variety style show - has returned to the theatre after an absence of some seven years.

The Clergy sang a medley of songs from the last 50 years, appeared as the Rat Pack, played the bagpipes expertly and danced Highland Flings as well as performing comedy sketches. The audience played their part by joining in enthusiastically at every opportunity.

CAFOD's Diocesan manager for Clifton Tony Vassallo said: "What a fabulous show. A fantastic night of first class entertainment that was enjoyed by the performers and audience in equal measure. The cast of the Clergy Revue under the direction of Tish Nicoll and supported by a band of professional musicians, gave terrific performances and truly brought the house down.

"It was a great show put on for a great cause - to raise funds for and awareness of CAFOD's vital work with the poorest communities in the world. Huge thanks to all who took part, whether on stage, back stage or front of house, thanks to all who came and made this a night to remember!"

Fr John Cooke from St Margaret Mary's, in Parkgate, Portsmouth, who was lead singer for Queen's classic song - We Will Rock You, said: "I usually wake up singing Psalms but Friday morning I woke up singing Freddy Mercury! This was my fourth time in the show, it's frightening but fun and there is a lot of talent among my fellow clergy. The bigger picture is that it's all for a great cause and is much more than just putting a collection box round for CAFOD. You really feel you are sowing seeds for people you don't know and won't meet."

Fr Peter Wilkinson from St Joseph's in Darwen, Lancashire, who plays the bagpipes, said: "This is the fourth time I've taken part in the Clergy Revue - or is that making a fool of myself in public for a good cause! The show is a great way for the Catholic Church to align itself with other organisations and show that we have a joint care and responsibility to others, not just here in the UK but everywhere, including neighbours we will never meet."