Portsmouth's New Theatre Royal will be taking over Guildhall Square with Chesney Hawkes as part of its Let's Make It Great weekend in order to break a Guinness world record (Saturday January 16, 1.30pm).
Spokeswoman Charlotte Mackie said: "The L
et's Make It Great weekend is part of a campaign to raise £4 million by 2013 that is desperately needed to re-build the back-lot of the New Theatre Royal, which burnt down in 1972.
"Other events over the weekend include a Friday variety night celebrating the history of the theatre from the cream of local talent and on Sunday, an incredible night of comedy, drama and song hosted by Sandi Toksvig with Sheila Hancock, welsh comic Elis James and others.
"The re-build will revolutionise the stage and backstage facilities, allowing the cream of national talent to come here and perform. The project, in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth, also aims to build a 150-seat community theatre space and a cafe on the disused back area of the site, which would be an exciting new space for new and emerging artists to develop and perform.
"We need you to come along with your best air guitar and jam along to Chesney Hawkes' classic song I Am The One And Only in order to break the official Guinness World Record for the 'largest air guitar ensemble' performance ever!
"Highbury College, performing Stomp, and The Live Karaoke Band will warm up the crowd before the big event, which will see the Guildhall Square linked to Portsmouth FC football ground at 2.45pm to break the record with Chesney's classic as the soundtrack. We know you know the words!
"Simply turn up ready to rock from 1.30pm on Saturday January 16 and join the New Theatre and Royal and Chesney for this once-in-a-lifetime free event."
