Elton John to star in theatre charity shows

Elton John is the latest star to line up an intimate show with a pair of charity dates at a London theatre, it was announced today.

The pop superstar – more used to performing at arenas, major outdoor shows or glitzy venues – will play a pair of shows at the Shepherds Bush Empire on December 16 and 17.

Other stars to perform at the modest venue in recent years as a treat for fans have included The Who and Oasis, while David Bowie performed just down the road at the similarly sized Carling Apollo just two days ago.

The shows will benefit the Elton John Aids Foundation and the MAC Aids Fund, for which Sir Elton is a spokesman.

It will be he his first west London date for more than 20 years. He played Christmas shows in the early 1980s at the Hammersmith Odeon – now renamed the Carling Apollo.