Imagine a show where you got to hear some of the greatest hits, from a variety of musical theatre productions, performed during one night of entertainment (no, it's not Forbidden Broadway or Elaine Paige on Sundays).
This was West End Heroes 2014, for one night only at the beautifully refurbished Dominion Theatre, where the audience were treated to some of the classics from amongst others, Miss Saigon, Les Mis and the newly opened Evita, all to raise money for a worthy and timely cause; Help for Heroes.
Our master of ceremonies for the evening was the charming and self-deprecating
Michael Ball, who treated us to a rousing 'Love Changes Everything' and a poignant 'Empty Chairs at Empty Tables', his voice as rich and distinctive as ever.
Newcomers and Britain's Got Talent winners Collabro continued the Les Mis showcase with a spine tingling 'Bring Him Home'. They are on tour early next year and fans of gorgeous men + harmonies + musicals should be snapping up tickets.
Evita has found a new home at The Dominion so it was no surprise to see their cast open with 'Buenos Aires', this looks to be a lively production and its star
Marti Pellow performed a solo number - 'I Won't Send Roses' from the musical Mack and Mabel.
Whilst the night celebrated the best of the West End, probably the most extraordinary thing was all the musical arrangements were performed by military bands; The Central Band of the Royal Air Force; The Royal Air Force Squadronaires; The Band of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth; The Band of the Queen's Division and Queen's Colour Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment all did a sterling job.
They were ably supported by the 44 members of the West End Heroes Choir, whose number are all front & back of house support staff (surely a matter of time before they are stealing the spotlight?) I can only imagine the hard work which went into rehearsals to bring everything together.
Congratulations to all the cast, musicians and David Pearson (Dominion General Manager) and his team. I'm looking forward to next year already. The evening has already raised over £100 000 for the charity. If you missed it but want to donate visit www.helpforheroes.org.uk
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