A fundraising variety performance was held to raise funds for the Fiorentini Children’s Performance Troupe which needs £7,000 to keep going after funding cuts.

Hackney Gazette: Stage and the City Showcase 2017, with Anna Fiorentini (centre). Photo: Michael BourkeStage and the City Showcase 2017, with Anna Fiorentini (centre). Photo: Michael Bourke (Image: michael bourke 2017)

The group performs in Homerton Hospital, St Joseph’s Hospice, care homes and homes for the elderly.

Adult Stage and the City drama students had just four hours to learn a routine for the show on Saturday night which they performed with actress Anna Fiorentini.

Former Fiorentini student Jermain Jackman, who won the BBC’s talent show, The Voice 2014, joined the City Singers choir to sing Bridge Over Troubled Water.