DON'T be surprised if there's a distinctly 80s feel to some of Karen Dunbar's jokes when she takes to the stage of the Clyde Auditorium next month.

Scotland's comedy queen is hosting a glittering gala variety show in aid of a major appeal for the Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice which recreates the razzmatazz of a fundraiser 30 years ago.

In 1983 the event at the King's Theatre in Glasgow was directed by Jimmy Logan and featured names from stage and screen, including Rikki Fulton, Johnny Beattie, Andy Cameron, Janet Brown and Scottish Ballet.

Attended by 1800 guests in the presence of their Royal Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the first gala variety show was held when the hospice moved into Carlton Place on the Clyde.

A message from Prince Charles in the evening's souvenir programme said: "The Princess of Wales joins me in wishing the Trust every success in the fundraising campaign to establish, in Glasgow, a hospice for the terminally ill."

This year's 30th anniversary show is a major event in the hospice's Brick by Brick campaign, backed by the Evening Times, to raise £15 million to relocate to a purpose-built home next to Ballahouston Park.

"I'm really proud and feel privileged to be a part of the show," said Karen.

"I cannot believe the time has gone so quickly, and what the hospice has achieved in 30 years is enough reason to celebrate the first gala.

"What the hospice plans to do in the next 30 years is even more exciting and enthusing."

Singing sensation Susan Boyle will top the bill at the show on October 27, accompanied by West End musical star Darius Campbell, TV presenter Carol Smillie and funny man Craig Hill in a show produced by impresario Robert C Kelly.

"A good host has to remember that they are the grease in the wheels," said Karen.

"I started off in entertainment as a karaoke host. It is second nature but there's the buzz of it as well because of all the catastrophes that have happened along the years.

"I'm there to get the energy up for the next act coming on. With plenty of laughs along the way, it's my job to keep it on time, keep it running smoothly and keep the audience interested."

A mix of song, dance and comedy, the revue show is expected to attract an audience of 3000 and will also include performances by vocal quartet Amore, Royal College of Music graduates who bring modern-day opera to the masses, performers from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and dance act Gymtasia Evolution.

Fans of television's The Voice get a chance to hear Barbara Bryceland and Tallia Storm, and Britain's Got Talent's Edward Reid. More names are still to be added to the bill.

"I first went to visit the hospice about 10 years ago because I'm an ambassador for the Prince's Trust, and I always wanted to do more," said Karen.

"When the opportunity came up earlier this year to host a charity auction for the hospice I was more than happy to get involved.

"Now the Brick by Brick appeal needs more support so it has worked out perfectly."

The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice was set up in Glasgow in the 1980s to provide free specialist palliative care for people with terminal illnesses, primarily cancer, and support for their families and carers.

"Every year we care for more than 1200 patients and families," said a spokeswoman.

"Our present home has served us well. However, space is limited and, following careful consideration, there is a pressing need for us to relocate to a purpose-built facility on a site adjacent to Bellahouston Park, gifted to us by Glasgow City Council."

The Brick by Brick appeal will help raise the remaining £15million of the £20m needed to build the 21st-century hospice. A ­gold-standard building, it will offer improved services and let the hospice lower the age limit to patients it treats to those aged 15 and above.

lTickets from £39.50, call Ticket Soup on 0844 395 4000 or visit: www.ticketsoup.com/30thanniversary.

Exclusive offer: buy five tickets and get the sixth free (subject to availability). To redeem, call 0844 395 4000 or visit the Ticket Soup Box Office and quote PPWH30.

Private dinner and after-show party packages are also available. For information call Heather Manson on 0141 429 9855 or email heather.manson@ppwh.org.uk.

angela.mcmanus@eveningtimes.co.uk