STAGE legend Michael Ball joined Southend’s Music Man Project for a “fantastic and memorable” rehearsal as they prepare to perform a specially-written song with the star at the Royal Albert Hall.
The 61-year-old, who has starred in a number of major West End shows, including Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera, joined the group for singing, dancing and fun at St Laurence Church Hall, in Eastwoodbury Lane, Rochford.
Michael became a patron of the music group earlier year after he present founder, David Stanley, with an award during the National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals.
Now, Music Man Project director Sarah Mann has written the words and David composed the music for new song “Make a Difference”, which will be performed by Michael and the members in the Music is Magic show at the Royal Albert Hall on April 8 next year.
David said: “Having Michael in Southend last Friday afternoon was pretty great.
“Our members were laughing, singing and dancing with him, which was truly fantastic and memorable.
“They adore Michael, and he adores them, which is why he was chosen as a patron of the Music Man Project back in April.
“What was also thrilling and quite surreal was hearing him sing the song Sarah and I wrote called Make a Difference, which is particularly poignant to our charity because our musicians make a huge difference regardless of the challenges they face.
“They are leading the way in showing the world what people with a disability can do.”
Michael initially met David and the Music Man Project performers at the National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals in April this year.
The pair immediately hit it off and members of the project hugged the legend on national television.
As part of his role as a celebratory patron, Michael supports the need for inclusive music education and performance opportunities to people with learning disabilities.
The Music is Magic show will showcase hundreds of musicians with learning disabilities from across the charity’s UK network.
Alongside the multi-platinum recording artist, the band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines will also be present.
The show will see their return to the venue after a “spectacular” debut in 2019.
David added: “This concert will be a night the audience and the Music Man Project will never forget.
“It will be an emotional rollercoaster, filled with joy, laughter and tears.
“But most of all, it will be a night of magic, as we celebrate the power of music to bring people together and create a sense of community.
“We’re so thrilled that our patron, Michael Ball and the band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines will be joining us for this incredible evening.”
Last Wednesday, the music group were a “storming success” at the Speaker’s House, in the Houses of Parliament, for a reception hosed by Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle for Disability History Month.
In the last year, the Music Man Project has reached the top 10 iTunes chart with a Christmas single with the Royal Marines, received a standing ovation from King Charles III at the Royal Albert Hall and performed in San Diego.
For more information about the Music Man Project, visit: themusicmanproject.com.
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