The APAA Variety Show, held on November 16 and 17 at the Auditório do Museu de Portimão, delivered two vibrant evenings of music, theatre and entertainment – and both performances sold out.
The event raised just under €8,000, all of which will directly support the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming efforts of the Associação de Proteção Animal do Algarve (APAA).
Audiences were treated to a true variety show, blending song, dance and theatrical skits that swung effortlessly between dramatic moments, heart-warming performances and playful bursts of slapstick comedy.
The evening opened with the full cast performing “Bare Necessities,” immediately setting a tone of joy, camaraderie and light-hearted fun that carried through the rest of the programme.
Performers kept the crowd engaged with a rich mix of musical numbers, expressive dance pieces and comedic sketches, highlighting both local talent and the shared dedication to APAA’s mission.
As the evening drew to a close, the cast invited the audience to join in a singalong of “Any Dream Will Do,” with the line “for every life, a dream can come true, any dream will do” echoing throughout the auditorium – a moment that captured the spirit of compassion at the heart of the event.
The show concluded with a powerful adaptation of “Do You Hear the People Sing?” from Les Misérables, reimagined as “Do You Hear the Animals Sing?” This moving finale served as a tribute to the countless animals APAA works tirelessly to protect and was met with enthusiastic applause from audiences on both nights.
“We are truly overwhelmed by the generosity and enthusiasm shown over both nights,” said Jenny Clarke, president of APAA. “Every euro raised goes directly toward helping animals in need — giving them the chance of happier, healthier lives. Events like this remind us how powerful our community can be when we come together with compassion.”
The nearly €8,000 raised will help fund APAA’s core work: providing emergency veterinary care, supporting sterilisation and castration programmes, and managing community cat colonies across the western and central Algarve.
About APAA
Associação de Proteção Animal do Algarve (APAA) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving animal welfare across the region. Its work focuses on humane population control, emergency veterinary support, and the ongoing care of community animals through established cat colonies. APAA also endorses the ARA Pet Legacy Plan, giving pet owners peace of mind and ensuring a secure future for their animals.
By Elisabeth Leonard
Elisabeth Leonard is involved in the initiative Volunteering Portugal. Find out more by emailing her directly – elisabeth@volunteering.pt
