The show, which will be staged at Trent College’s May Hall on Saturday 7^th October, and other names that have already agreed to appear include the Fund’s Patron Ben Roberts, ventriloquist Neville King, King Rat Kaplan Kaye, comedy duo Simmons and Simmons and Long Eaton’s own Young Performers.

Organiser and the Fund’s Consultant Director of Fundraising Graham Smith told the Trader: “This is going to be a good old-fashioned variety show at its best.  Securing Melvyn Hayes is something of a coup; we understand he will be recreating his role as Gunner Beaumont (‘Gloria’) and hopefully our Young Performers will be joining him on stage to sing the title song ‘Meet the Gang’. 

"The Water Rats are currently seeking another top of the bill and other well-known names for us for our show that will feature quite a few surprises.  Tickets will be going on sale later this year and we are confident of a sell-out for our matinee and evening performances.”

He added: “The 'Rats' show – the first of its kind to be seen outside of the South of England - is being directed and produced by Keith Simmons, one half of the comedy duo Simmons and Simmons who are starring with Gary Wilmot in ‘Peter Pan’ at Derby’s Assembly Rooms this Christmas.  Keith is a former King Rat who dedicates himself to his charity work for the Rats.  He is also directing ‘Peter Pan’ and I believe we are very lucky to have secured his talented services.”

Melvyn Hayes, who was one of Cliff Richard's Young Ones and joined him for a Summer Holiday, broke into showbusiness at London's Comedy Theatre in 1950, earning £4 a week by disappearing twice daily while performing the Indian rope trick. He's notched up scores of film, theatre and TV roles and has provided the voices for several cartoon series, both in the UK and Hollywood, including SuperTed and Budgie.