EATING, drinking and quirky entertainment is on the menu for a unique event to raise funds for a Worcester-based advocacy charity.

The Worcester masked theatre company Vamos is teaming up with the University of Worcester to provide an unusual show called The Secret Elephant Show at a theatrical dinner to raise funds for Onside Advocacy.

The show is a reference to “the elephant in the room” – a phrase used to describe something people find difficult to discuss.

Vamos is providing the theatrical entertainment while the university is giving technical support. The event takes place at The Bank House Hotel, Bransford, on Thursday March 10.

This is the second annual theatrical fund-raising dinner staged by Onside and the charity is hoping to make it an annual event. Last year 250 people went along and it raised more than £11,000.

Nicola Reece, marketing manager for Onside, said: “We are hoping to make it an annual event. Last year we had the University of Worcester students doing a show based on the advocacy work we do. They spoke to some of the people we support and acted out their journeys.”

She said the performance is done in sections between each of the courses of the meal and, although there is a small stage, most of the acting takes place in the dining area so everyone is close to the show.

“We wanted to do something unique that would capture people’s imagination. A lot of people entertained their business clients by bringing them along. It was amazing. We did not want to do the usual dinner dance but we wanted to do something original.”

She said there is also an auction where guests can bid for a range of things from holidays to theatre tickets and signed photos of Worcestershire County Cricketers. “People are very generous which is great. It is our main fund-raising event of the year.”

The evening has a Victorian theme and guests are invited to come along in Victorian clothes if they want. The best outfit wins a bottle of champagne.

Honor Hoskins from Vamos Theatre said: “Vamos Theatre, is the UK's leading full mask theatre company based in Worcester, touring nationally and internationally.

“We are always delighted to bring quirky, entertaining and poignant walkabout acts and live theatre to events. However, to be involved with a charity doing such marvellous work on our doorstep is an honour.”

Nicola added: “Being a Worcestershire-based charity it is great to have the support of the University of Worcester and Vamos. We invite local people to come and enjoy our amazing theatrical dinner. Vamos is really creative and it is known all over the country.”

Tickets are available by visiting www.thesecretelephantshow.com.

For more information about Onside services can call 01905 27525, email info@onside-advocacy.org.uk, visit www.onside-advocacy.org.uk or write to Onside Independent Advocacy, Williamson House, 14 Charles Street, Worcester, WR1 2AQ.

Onside supports more than 3,000 vulnerable adults in Worcestershire and Herefordshire facing disadvantage due to disabilities, ill health and older age. It employs 60 staff and has 140 volunteers.