A star spangled line-up of North East heroes has pledged support plans to create a dedicated children's cancer research centre in Newcastle. Musician Sting and TV writing duo Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais of Auf Wiedersehen Pet writing fame are amongst a contingent of much-loved and respected names from the world of music, stage, sport, business and community work to have become patrons of the Future Fund. Explaining his support for the campaign, Sting said: "The research teams at Newcastle University are doing vital work on the development of more effective and less harmful cancer treatments for children. I am proud to lend my name to support the Future Fund campaign."

The box office for new musical The Last Ship will open on Monday, August 25 at 10AM/EST at the Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52 Street), in conjunction with a special one-time-only 24-hour flash sale from midnight August 25 to midnight August 26. For one day only, seats will be on sale for $39, $59 and $85 in the rear mezzanine, mid-mezzanine or orchestra/front mezzanine, respectively. Flash sale tickets will be available at the box office from 10AM - 6PM/EST or online throughout the 24-hour period at ticketmaster.com or thelastship.com using the promotional code OPEN...