PERFORMERS from societies around the district are joining forces for a show organised by a leading light in local theatre,

Dance teacher and choreographer Jacqui Drake is the principal of Debut Academy in Shipley, and has choreographed shows by various societies, including Bradford Catholic Players.

Despite having stage four cancer, and undergoing treatment which has involved removing one of her lungs, Jacqui remains upbeat and continues to embrace her passion for dance. “I’m very positive, I have found a strength, I’m grateful for each day," she says. "Working in this industry, with music, is uplifting because it’s a positive environment."

It is that infectious positivity that led her to launch an appeal, Jacqui’s Million, aimed at raising £1 million for the Bexley Wing at St James’s Hospital’s Institute of Oncology, where she has been treated.

Jacqui started fundraising last year, with the support of family and friends, and her appeal has now reached more than £35,000.

In June Jacqui will present a cabaret event, Positive Vibes, featuring 22 adults from local amateur societies and 12 young performers aged nine to 18 from Debut. Billed as a tribute to musical theatre, it features songs by Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Gershwin and Jerry Herman and numbers from shows such as Wicked, Fame and The Witches of Eastwick.

"There is something for all ages - timeless songs we all grew up with and music from more modern shows," says Jacqui, who is choreographing and directing the show. "There will be stand-and-sing performances, including solos and duets, from the adult ensemble and the youngsters, and also movement to music from the younger ones. We have a seven-piece band, and one of my ex-students, Matthew Spalding, a huge talent aged just 21 who has been selected for a musical director course at Mount View in London, will be conducting it all.

"We've got a 2.30pm matinee and another show at 7.30pm. If we fill the venue, we'll raise £10,000 in one day, which would be fantastic."

Jacqui adds: "There is so much positivity around this show - everyone has thrown themselves into it."

* Positive Vibes is at Leeds City Varieties on Saturday, June 3. Call (0113) 2430808.