Russell Grant to Host IVOR NOVELLO AND THE GREAT BRITISH MUSICAL at St. James Studio, June 23

Russell Grant and Musical Director and former member of Only Men Aloud, Ross Leadbeater invite you to a 'Glamorous Night' in celebration of Ivor Novello - the most successful British musical theatre composer of the first half of the 20th century.

Ivor Novello and the Great British Musical plays at St James Studio - London's newest and hottest theatre venue - for one night only on Sunday 23rd June at 7:30pm.

2013 marks the 120th anniversary of the birth of the Welsh-born composer, who gives his name to both a West End theatre and the internationally respected Ivor Novello Awards.

Inspired by his legacy, this is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to enjoy an intimate evening in the company of Russell, Ross and a host of leading singers from the West End and the world of opera.

The evening also features other British theatre composers such as Noël Coward, Lionel Bart and Andrew Lloyd Webber. With Musical Direction by Ross Leadbeater.

The evening is hosted by Russell Grant, whose love of Novello began when he toured in the last major production of Novello's King's Rhapsody. Russell's dream came true when given the chance to dance on BBC 1's Strictly Come Dancing. Russell was invited by Andrew Lloyd Webber to star in The Wizard of Oz (Palladium): he returned to the Palladium after 34 years, the last time with Tommy Steele in Hans Andersen. West End credits: Slogger Williams in Tom Brown's Schooldays (Cambridge), the Snake in Children of Eden (Prince of Wales) and Carlos in Midnight Tango (Phoenix Theatre). Last year Russell won plaudits galore with his glitzy Teen Angel in the 20th Anniversary production of Grease with a unique Latin dance mega-mix choreographed by Arlene Phillips.

Ross Leadbeater has a varied career as a musical director, pianist, singer and vocal coach. He was recently Musical Supervisor for Novello's last musical Gay's the Word which enjoyed a sell-out run at Jermyn Street Theatre. West End credits as Musical Director: Talent 2012 (Garrick Theatre), West-End Eurovision 2012: Phantom of the Opera (Dominion Theatre) and Betwixt! (Trafalgar Studios). Ross was rehearsal pianist for South Pacific (Barbican Centre) and répétiteur for The Mikado and HMS Pinafore (Buxton Opera House). Television include: Last Choir Standing, The Classical Brit Awards, The Royal Variety Show 2008 and Proms in the Park.

Katy Treharne played Nina in the UK Premiere of Dear World and Alternate Christine in Phantom of the Opera. She toured Sweden with West End star Peter Jöback in I Love Musicals and will feature on the CD release this autumn.

Rhidian Marc can currently be seen in the cast of Les Miserables and in the film version and 25th Anniversary Concert of Les Miserables. He was born on the same street as Ivor Novello and is thrilled to be part of this tribute to him.

Annatt Bass is a mezzo soprano who has spent two years covering the role of Madam Giry in Phantom of the Opera. She could be seen on ITV's Pop Star to Opera Star and was in the workshop performance of Love Never Dies.

Martin Milnes is currently playing Oscar in Verdi's Ballo at The King's Head. His one man show The Falsetto received five star reviews at the Edinburgh Festival and has been the support act for Alistair McGowan. In 2012 he directed the first professional revival of The Grand Duke.

Ivor Novello and the Great British Musical, with direction and musical direction by Ross Leadbeater, design by Gregor Donnelly and musical staging by Philip Joel, will play at the St James Studio, 12 Palace Street, London SW1E 5JA (Victoria Tube Station) on Sunday 23rd June at 7:30pm. Tickets: £10.00 - £25.00. Box Office: 0844 264 2140 or boxoffice@stjamestheatre.co.uk.

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