- Sunday for Sammy show 2010
A star-studded spectacular featuring the cream of North East talent performing music and comedy in memory of Sammy Johnson to raise funds for the next generation of performers. It's ten years since the first Sunday for Sammy show was staged at Newcastle City Hall to celebrate the life of Geordie actor Sammy Johnson following his sudden death in 1998. Since then, the bi-annual show has gained legendary status and the cast list has featured the cream of North East stage, screen and musical talent. This is the fifth in a series of bi-annual sell out shows, featuring music, stand-up comedy and sketches, the concert celebrated northern wit and everything Geordie. The audience was delighted by a surprise appearance by Geordie legend Mark Knopfler who said "It’s a delight to be part of such a wonderful event – made special because it’s part of coming home". Knopfler, as he was referred to by the cast, was the anchor of the three-hour show’s running joke. Mark comes to the stage several times, playing around 30 seconds his well known songs Walk of life, Sultans of swing and Money for nothing, before being thrown off the stage by a variety of North East celebrities. Tim, his actress wife Denise Welch and footballing legend, Alan Shearer (who appeared via a pre-recorded segment on the giant screen which flanked the stage) all took their turns to dismiss his tuneful efforts, before telling him to: "Play your hit, man!". After the third telling-off, Mark thrilled every Geordie in the place by playing the anthemic Going home with the help of the accomplished North East-soaked house band behind him.