An Australian theatre group is travelling to Macclesfield to perform.

The Shoemaker of Havana will show at MADS Little Theatre, and half of the ticket sales will go directly to East Cheshire Hospice.

Nub News met at The Hospice with John Chandler and Luke Oldham to find out more.

John Chandler and Luke Oldham, outside the Hospice's new Sunflower Centre. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"It's a unique, fantastic show, for the most worthy of causes,"said John Chandler, who is on the Management Committee at Macclesfield Amateur Dramatic Society.

"They write everything themselves; they write all the songs, all the dialogue."

"It's a fascinating setup and they are lovely people."

Down under... down Lord Street! (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

John has been an active member of MADS for 17 years. When he received the request to perform from Nuworks of Melbourne, Australia, it stood out as unusual.

The Melbourne-based actors self fund their travel to the UK, and perform their own original material. They are an independent, not for profit theatre group and all members are unpaid.

The troupe request that half of the ticket sales go to a local charity, and East Cheshire Hospice is the chosen cause.

East Cheshire Hospice, of Millbank Drive, Macclesfield.

John has a personal link to the Hospice and advises as part of the Friends and Family group. He adds,

"The Hospice is invaluable to so many of us. Come and see the show!"

"Tell your family tell your friends. If you like musicals, you'll love this!

You can get your tickets by calling 01625 611974 or clicking the red link at the bottom of this article.

In 2023, Nuworks travelled to MADS to perform their original show, The Pirate Code. This year, they are presenting The Shoemaker of Havana, which is described on their website as 'Highly theatrical and entertaining.'

Luke Oldham, a MADS member of approximately 13 years, and the Corporate Fundraiser for East Cheshire Hospice, expressed his gratitude for being able to combine his work with both organisations.

"This project for me is doubly special because this is my day job and the hospice is an amazing place to work and is a great cause to make money for. It has the connection with the theatre as well."

Luke was also recently employed by the Hospice (left).

"'Fun' is absolutely the word I would use to describe the show."

"A hospice can only run with the backing of a community; that's why stuff like this is so important."

Luke explained that the Hospice relies heavily on fundraising; £9,362 is the amount of money which needs raising for every day the Hospice is open, and this does not include NHS funding.

The Shoemaker of Havana is being performed on July 2 at MADS Little Theatre. It is suitable for ages 12+. Tickets cost £15 with half being donated to East Cheshire Hospice.

50% of each ticket sale goes towards East Cheshire Hospice. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

Macclesfield: Tickets for the show can be purchased here.

Further information about East Cheshire Hospice can be found here.

Nuworks's website can be viewed here.