Two of Gloucestershire's leading professional firms teamed up to support a special benefit evening at The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham.

Cheltenham-based commercial law firm BPE Solicitors and national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm Crowe joined forces to help make the evening possible, supported by lighting, audio, staging and video specialists Enlightened.

Stand up for Ukraine on April 2 was billed as a special evening of laughter, music and magic in support of the people of Ukraine, hosted by The Everyman Theatre and the Barn Theatre, Cirencester.

The event has so far raised £50,000 and all proceeds are going to the Disasters Emergency Committee, Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers and Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees.

The cast involved a stellar range of Cotswold-based luminaries, including Sir Michael Morpurgo, author of War Horse, actor Ben Miller, impressionist Rory Bremner, comedian Dom Joly, Tweedy the clown, former The Bill actress and Loose Women presenter Lisa Maxwell and The EveryVoice Choir, featuring Ukranian soloist Nadia Postolatii.

John Workman, senior partner at BPE Solicitors, said: "As we watch the conflict continue in Ukraine, we wanted to do what we can to support those still in the Ukraine, as well as the people and families who have reached safety. I thank everyone who attended the concert and made a contribution, as well as Crowe for co-sponsoring an event that will make a massive difference to those who will benefit from it the most."

Guy Biggin, managing partner of Crowe's Cheltenham office, said: "We were very pleased to be offered the opportunity to partner with BPE Solicitors to support fundraising for this very worthy cause, which has clearly touched the hearts of so many in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds."