Olivier Winner Michael Ball to Host 2014 WEST END HEROES Gala at the Dominion, Sept 28

Michael Ball, Britain's leading musical theatre star, a double Olivier Award winner, multi-platinum recording artist and a hugely popular radio and TV presenter, is announced today as the host of the 2014 West End Heroes gala concert.

Following the phenomenal success of West End Heroes last year, which saw the casts of many of the biggest West End musicals unite with the finest UK military bands and musicians in a stunning performance that raised over £88,000 for the Help For Heroes charity, the newly refurbished Dominion Theatre is to once again host the event, this year on Sunday 28 September at 8.00pm

Michael Ball will oversee proceeedings and also perform in The 2014 West End Heroes gala concert, which will again unite the country's top military musicians with even more West End performers and productions in a dazzling showcase of showstopping numbers, unlikely song mash-ups and stunning choreography and precision drilling.

He said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be able to take part in West End Heroes and to show my respect, admiration and support for the amazing men and women who've literally put their lives on the line for us all. It'll be a joy and a challenge to host the entire evening (as well as hopefully performing a couple of songs) and I can promise it's going to be a concert not to be missed. And, if all goes to plan there will be some wonderful surprises in store!"

Returning to form the centerpiece of the gala and under the directorship of Wing Commander Duncan Stubbs will be The Central Band of the Royal Air Force, which is widely regarded as one of the finest military bands in the UK and incorporates the celebrated RAF Squadronaires Big Band. West End Heroes will once again be generously supported by many TV and theatre stars and will feature line-ups from current and past West End Shows.

This year's event has set a target to raise more than £100,000.

General Manager of the Dominion Theatre, David Pearson, said: "It is an honour and a privilege to once again host West End Heroes and we are delighted to announce Michael Ball as our MC. He is the biggest musical theatre star in the UK and we know he will do a magnificent job as MC as well as delivering some stunning numbers himself. The Dominion is looking forward to welcoming the concert as one of the first major events following the extensive restoration and refurbishment programme, which will be completed over the summer."

Michael Ball made his West End debut as Marius in the original London cast of LES MISERABLES; he starred in the West End production of The Phantom of the Opera, Aspects of Love in the West End and on Broadway, in the London production of Stephen Sondheim's Passion and as Caractacus Potts in the West End musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. In 2005 he returned to Broadway as Count Fosco in The Woman in White, which transferred from London's West End and, in the same year, made his New York City Opera debut as Reginald Bunthorne in Gilbert and Sullivan's Patience. In 2007 he made his debut with the ENO as Haj/The Poet in Kismet. In 2008 Michael made box office history at the Shaftesbury Theatre with his Olivier Award winning performance as Edna Turnblad in the smash hit musical Hairspray, which he then took on tour across the UK. That year he also made his debut as chat show host on ITV 1's The Michael Ball Show and he made his debut as a West End co-producer with the musical theatre production of Love Story at the Duchess Theatre. In 2013 Michael won Best Actor in a Musical from Whatsonstage.com and his second Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his critically acclaimed lead role in Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Chichester and Adelphi/West End). Michael regularly tours the UK as a concert artist and has sold millions of albums and dvds nationally and internationally. He's performed in Australia, China, USA, Singapore and in 2007 made his BBC Proms debut: An Evening with Michael Ball at the Royal Albert Hall marked the first time a musical theatre star had been given a solo concert at the Proms. Michael has a hugely successful radio broadcasting career which includes his own show, Sunday Night with Michael Ball. He recently completed shooting the Victoria Wood BBC TV film, That Day We Sang with Imelda Staunton and in November 2014 will release his 19th solo album through Union Square Music.

Help for Heroes is a charity that offers comprehensive support to those who have suffered life-changing injuries and illnesses while serving their country. This is provided through grants to individuals, other Service charities, capital build projects and four Personnel Recovery Centres across the UK.

The Creative Team for For West End Heroes 2014 features Director Tim Marshall (Festival of Remembrance, Royal Albert Hall), Musical Director Wing Commander Duncan Stubbs, Musical Supervisor Stuart Morley (We Will Rock You; Night of a 1000 Stars), Choreographer Matt Flint (So You Think You Can Dance; Strictly Come Dancing), Assistant Director Carole Todd (Carnaby Street, Dreamboats and Petticoats), Design Tim Soden (The Lion King; Calendar Girls), and General Manager Tony Green. Produced by Dominion Events.

WEST END HEROES hosted by Michael Ball will take place at the DOMINION THEATRE, Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7AQ on Sunday 28 September 2014 at 8.00pm. Tickets from £30.00. VIP Packages including champagne, pre-show reception, premium seat and access to the concert after-party. Tickets for West End Heroes are now on sale from www.westendheroes.com.

To post a comment, you must register and login.