The Greatest ShowKids Fundraiser: A film by kids for the Sydney Children’s Hospitals - Has Ended

Join us for the red carpet premier of a once only screening of 'The Greatest ShowKids' - a movie inspired by the music & film of a similar name.

View our trailer here; https://vimeo.com/320204209

All funds raised will be donated to the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation.

For those that woud like to contribute to our fundraising efforts but cannot be there on the night, please see the 'DONATE' option on our tickets page in Eventbrite.

Event Details:

6.30pm ~ Join our cast of local kids on the red carpet for a VIP arrival experience at the Ritz Cinema Randwick. Mingle in our private area, conveniently located adjacent to the Ritz Bar on mezzanine level for beverage purchases. 

7pm       ~ Movie commences at 7pm sharp with unreserved seating, (no trailers)

Dress Code - come as you are or be inspired to frock up for the red carpet just like our young cast!

Background:

We all know kids loved the movie The Greatest Showman. So much in fact, some year 2 kids in Coogee planned to make their own version of the movie. They talked about it forever on the playground and then begged to make it happen.

One of the kids, 8-year-old Ollie Bailey-O’Reilly seemed willing to kick start the project. Hugh Jackman as P.J. Barnum and the Oddities were after all his heroes.

Ollie held auditions for his classmates in his apartment’s backyard. In a very Australian fashion, amongst the gum trees, 27 kids auditioned. Everyone got a part, no matter what.

Ollie is a special kid. At age 3, he lost his Dad, the beautiful musician Chris Bailey, to cancer. And then at age 6, Ollie was diagnosed with a different cancer, brain cancer. He’s finished treatment, but had a pretty rough time. He’s not the only one at his school who has faced challenges. So many of his school mates have been to the  Emergency Department at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick. When Ollie was sick, all his classmates were involved in some way, both when he was away from school and when they worked with him to return to school. So it made sense that this film would have a part for anyone who wanted to be involved.

In the filming of the movie, the parents felt it was important that this time, it wasn’t about more fundraising or being great or getting things right – it was just about the kids taking the lead, doing something creative. Suddenly, kids who had never sung, sang. And 7-year olds put forward costume design ideas. They danced like no one was watching.

Having told the story to ARCHIE BROTHERS at Alexandria, they generously offered their venue for the kids to realise their dream. Their circus vibe setting was perfect.

One of the Coogee Dads, JOE SULLIVAN, recorded all the kids singing the songs on a portable microphone. And one cameraman filmed it over two half days. Far from perfect, but a rich experience.

FILIPA SANTOS, Ollie’s Portuguese neighbour has edited the footage, and now you can watch it, in all its imperfect glory. The outcome for many sick children isn’t always perfect either, but there’s so much joy to be shared in all communities when they come together in the hard times with a project such as this.

The incredible RANDWICK RITZ have agreed to host a red-carpet event & screening for the kids on MONDAY MARCH 25 at 6.30pm, with all proceeds going to the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.

Tickets $15 each, (plus booking fee), or family tickets available.

PLEASE tell every one you know about this project.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE buy a ticket.

Let’s be part of something great for kids, by kids, for the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.

FAQs

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

This is an all ages event. No ID required.

Do I need to print my ticket(s)?

You can print your purchased ticket(s) or just show your ticket(s) on your phone via the Mobile ticket option.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please contact the event organiser via the 'Contact' link at the bottom of the Eventbrite listing.

What's the refund policy?

Attendees can receive refunds via Eventbrite up to 1 day before the event start date.

Will food & drinks be avaiable?

Food & drinks can be purchased at the Randwick Ritz Cafe or Ritz Bar.

How is the waitlist managed?

People on the waitlist will be automatically confirmed for the event if addiitonal tickets become available.