A COFFEE shop was alive with the sound of music as singers raised money for a West End legend's life-saving treatment.

From 8am on Saturday, August 22, Starbucks in Cirencester’s Market Place was home to a 10-hour singathon organised by Katy Sirr, director of Cirencester School of Acting.

The charity event was hastily assembled after the news that West End star Louise Plowright had exhausted her options for pancreatic cancer treatment in the UK and would need £140,000 to take part in clinical trials in Seoul, South Korea.

For five years Louise thrilled audiences as Donna in the original Mamma Mia. She was playing Madame Morrible in Wicked in the West End when the cancer struck.

“I found out a couple of weeks ago that she had to go abroad because she’s had all the treatment she can here,” Katy said. “I just wanted to help and I don’t run so I couldn’t do a marathon!”

With help from others, Katy sung for eight of the 10 hours, raising £215. Half will go to pancreatic cancer UK and half to the fund.

“The wonderful thing I’ve found about Cirencester is the fact that if you are doing a any charity event people are always willing to donate,” she said.

Others have been joining in the cause as well, including a staggering donation of £49,000 from Mamma Mia and Delfont Mackintosh Theatres and more than £10,000 from bucket collection outside West End theatres.

Even strangers have been joining in. David Marsden donated to her page, saying: “I don't know you Louise but I see the love your friends are sending you & would like to offer something towards your treatment. I hope it goes marvellously.”

Louise is now just £15,000 away from hitting her target, to donate go to crowdfunding.justgiving.com/louiseplowright.