Last week the Eldon Society held a charity talent show to raise money for Cancer Research UK. The Eldon Society is the biggest society at Newcastle University and is open to anyone with an interest in law, whether this means you are completing a law degree or are simply a novice with a passion.
The event, which took place in Venue in the Student Union, comes as the latest in a series of fundraising events organised by the new welfare office. The first being a raffle and the follow-up hopefully being a Great British Bake Off style event. Abi Marshall, the first welfare officer for the Eldon Society and member of the Irish Dance Society, orchestrated the event to make the debut year of the welfare department a memorable one. Speaking before the event she said, “This is the first year the Eldon Society has had a welfare officer so we wanted to do something special to mark our introduction, the talent show is a great way to raise money for our charity of the year, Cancer Research UK, and have fun in the process.”
The acts included both members of the Eldon Society and volunteers from other societies wanting to support the cause. Acts included Elise, a law student, who sung ‘Riptide’ and ‘Say Something’ and was followed by an individual stand-up act from Philippa, a Northumbria biomed student. The Dance Society also submitted an entry with their advanced street dance team who performed a routine they had been working on for national competitions to a compilation of hip-hop songs, Abi said, prior to the competition, “Potentially the street dance team will be our biggest competition on the night.”
Following a brief intermission another comedian, this time from the Newcastle Comedy Society named Haaris, performed a stand up act calling on members of the audience (much to their embarrassment) and making jokes about everyday life. Finishing the show was the Irish Dance society. The Irish dancers performed five impressive routines and showcased a multitude of skills both with and without tap shoes. The audience were very enthusiastic, clapping along to the music, and giving the biggest applause of the night. Having formed in October after recruiting in fresher’s week the Irish Dance society had put months of rehearsal into the routine they gave on Wednesday night and this shined through in their performance.
Eleanor Browne, a first year maths student at Newcastle, said “The highlight of my night was the Irish Dance society, I came to support my friend in the society and I was really impressed with everything from how quick their footwork was to the lighting they chose to complement their performance.”
The intimate show was hosted by Harry Dyson, who had previously taken part in the RAG Take Me Out night, and tickets were sold with all proceeds going to charity. The event is thought to have raised £100 for Cancer Research UK.
Eldon’s Got Talent showcased some of the best talent from within the society itself and from other societies wanting to raise money for a good cause. The night was enjoyed by all who attended and made a meaningful contribution to the society’s fundraising efforts.
