Liverpool Empire Theatres audiences raised a record-breaking sum for the Liverpool City Region’s largest and oldest LGBTQ+ charity, Sahir House.
Liverpool-based HIV and LGBTQ+ charity Sahir are celebrating the fundraising success, following audiences donating thousands of pounds during performances of the smash-hit musical Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Empire Theatre.
A special cheque was presented to Sahir following the fundraising appeal, which saw generous theatregoers donate £2,782.50 in just one day – making it the charity’s most successful theatre ‘bucket shake’ collection to date. The appeal came after a heartfelt on-stage message delivered by Scouse performer Scott Sutcliffe, who is Baby Doll in the production which has garnered rave reviews across Merseyside and beyond, encouraging audiences to support Sahir’s life-changing work across the Liverpool City Region.
Nate Landskroner (Christian) and Scott Sutcliffe (Baby Doll) from Moulin Rouge! The Musical join Liverpool Empire Theatre Director Diane Belding (all front row) in celebrating with Sahir House Chairman Gerard Bowyers-McIntyre, CEO Simon Harris, Trustees Mark Christopherson and Paul Clarke Wright and bucket shaker Martin Gaskell.
“This was far more than a fundraising appeal – it was an extraordinary act of solidarity,” says Simon Harris, Chief Executive of Sahir. “Every person who dropped money into a bucket or tapped a card machine has helped ensure that someone facing HIV stigma, isolation or discrimination will know they are not alone. The generosity of Liverpool audiences never ceases to amaze me, but what made this truly special was the warmth shown by everyone at the Liverpool Empire Theatre and the cast of Moulin Rouge! They didn’t simply give us a platform; they became champions for our cause. We are incredibly grateful.”
Diane Belding, Theatre Director at the Liverpool Empire says: “The response from our audiences was phenomenal and demonstrates the generosity and compassion of Liverpool theatre-goers. We are delighted Moulin Rouge! The Musical agreed to help raise awareness for a charity doing vital work across the city region. It has been a pleasure to work alongside Simon and the Sahir team, and we look forward to supporting them again in the future.”
Volunteers collecting donations before and after performances on Saturday 18 July, using buckets and contactless giving points.
For more information about Sahir, or to make a donation, visit https://www.sahir.org.uk/
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is at the Liverpool Empire Theatre until 8 August 2026