I'm a Celebrity star to host All Star Variety Show at Northampton's Deco Theatre

An all-star variety show is coming to Northampton's Deco Theatre this summer with some big names set to grace the stage.

This will be one of the first shows to welcome back audiences after the Deco was forced to close 13 months ago. The show - aptly named Life 2.0 - will be hosted by I'm A Celebrity star, Iain Lee along with his presenting partner, Katherine Boyle. Theatre enthusiasts can also expect to see X-Factor and Eurovision star, Andy Abraham, comedian Kev Orkian, ventriloquist Steve Hewlett and impressionist John Clegg.

Life 2.0 will take place on Friday, June 25 and tickets are available to purchase now with all profits going to the mental health charity, Mind.

Show producer, Steven Gordon-Wilson of 1702 Productions said: “Mental health has been the forgotten symptom of the pandemic in many ways. It’s fantastic that, during Mental Health Awareness Week in particular, the focus has turned to improving mental health provision.

"Mind is such an important part of the solution, and we’re delighted to be supporting them through this concert.”

Iain Lee and Katherine Boyle are known for their radio stints on BBC Three Counties Radio, talkRADIO and - more recently - as hosts of The Late Night Alternative on the live online streaming platform, Twitch.

Iain, who has been very vocal about his mental health in recent years, said: “I’m really pleased to be on stage in Northampton, not only because it’s going to be great fun for Kath and I, but because Mind is an incredible charity that does such great work around the UK.

"I’ve experienced the impact of mental health problems firsthand, and have also experienced the support that Mind provide – I’m chuffed to be a part of something that supports them.”

The line up will also include British country artist and star of The Voice UK, Peter Donegan - the son of the 'King of Skiffle', Lonnie Donegan. He recently won 'Male Vocalist of the Year' and 'Original Song of the Year' at Texas Sound Festival.

Community and Events Fundraising Manager, Vicky Urquhart, said: "We are really grateful to the organisers for making this album and show happen, and to those who are giving up their time to perform.

“The pandemic continues to have a huge impact on our mental health, especially for those of us with existing mental health problems. We know from our coronavirus survey that over half of adults and two thirds of young people said their mental health has worsened since the outbreak of the pandemic.

"Now that measures are starting to lift, many of us are once again re-adjusting to changes, which can present further challenges to our mental health.

“Every donation that Mind receives helps us to provide information and support services, such as our Mind Infoline and legal line, so that we can be there for as many people who need us as possible.”

The show line up will also feature comedy magician, Mark Williams, and internationally renowned vocalist, Shelley Rivers.

Theatres are expected to reopen without the need for contact restrictions on Monday, June 21 provided that the government's roadmap out of lockdown remains on track.

Tickets and more information can be found at www.1702productions.co.uk.