Danielle Hope, Alex Gaumond and Sally Ann Triplett are among the line-up of musical theatre stars set to gather at the Novello theatre this Sunday to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Mercury Musical Developments.
Other performers at the writing charity’s anniversary gala will include Love Story’s Michael Xavier, three time Olivier Award-winner Janie Dee, Billy Elliot The Musical’s Haydn Gwynne, Chicago’s David Bedella, Matilda The Musical star Paul Kaye, Les Misérables’ Tam Mutu, Sweeney Todd’s Lucy May Barker, Loserville co-writer James Bourne, Claire Moore, Stuart Matthew Price, Hayley Gallivan, Alison Jiear and Madalena Alberto.
Their performances will be introduced by a host of musical theatre luminaries including Willy Russell, Charles Hart and Stiles & Drewe, while Michael Ball will present the Sidney Brown Memorial Award for new musical theatre writing.
A celebration of British shows past, present and future by MMD members, the 20th anniversary gala, which is directed by Simon Greiff, will feature songs from shows including Matilda, One Man, Two Guvnors, Soap Dish, Meantime and The Go Between.
There will also be an exclusive auction of musical theatre memorabilia including a prop from the recent Les Misérables film signed by Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe, handwritten lyrics to James Bond’s Diamonds Are Forever and a tailor made song from Stiles & Drewe, with more exciting prizes to be announced tomorrow.
In conjunction with the Gala, MMD is also hosting a fundraising auction of priceless musical theatre memorabilia and experiences, donated by MMD members, supporters and patrons to help the charity continue its work creating development opportunities for composers, lyricists and book writers of new musical theatre in the UK.
Ranging from a prop used in the recent Les Misérables film signed by Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe to handwritten lyrics to James Bond’s Diamonds Are Forever, the general public will be able to place their bids for a piece of theatrical history from 11 October until 21 October, with two surprise lots auctioned at the Gala itself.
See below for a full list of the incredible auction prizes on offer or visit the MMD’s website for more information and the link to begin bidding.
Mercury Musical Developments 20th Anniversary Gala auction lots
1. The Phantom Of The Opera platinum album – A framed platinum cast album of The Phantom Of The Opera, from Polydor with a dedicatory plaque to Charles Hart. Kindly donated by Charles Hart.
2. Douglas Hodge in Cyrano De Bergerac on Broadway tickets – House seats to see Douglas Hodge in Cyrano De Bergerac on Broadway and an opportunity to meet Douglas in his dressing room after the show. Kindly donated by Douglas Hodge. (Flights and accommodation are not included).
3. Don Black Diamonds Are Forever lyrics – Signed, hand-written lyrics for the classic James Bond theme song Diamonds Are Forever by Don Black. Kindly donated by Don Black.
4. Lea DeLaria Live at the Hippodrome tickets – Two tickets to see Lea DeLaria at the new home of cabaret in London, The Matcham Room at the London Hippodrome, and an opportunity to meet Lea after the show. Kindly donated by The London Hippodrome.
5. Les Misérables movie prop signed by Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe – Your chance to own a piece of musical theatre history; Jean Valjean’s ticket of leave from the forthcoming movie of Les Misérables, signed by Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe. Kindly donated by the producers of the film of Les Misérables.
6. Marry Me A Little vinyl cast album signed by Stephen Sondheim – Kindly donated by The Stephen Sondheim Society.
7. Jesus Christ Superstar gold album – A framed triple gold cast album of Jesus Christ Superstar from Sweden, signed by Sir Tim Rice on the reverse. Kindly donated by Sir Tim Rice.
8. The Sound Of Music at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre tickets – Two tickets for next year‘s production of The Sound Of Music at Regent’s Park with complimentary glass of champagne and programme. Kindly donated by Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
9. Walking With Dinosaurs – The Live Spectacular tickets – Four complimentary tickets to a UK performance of the successful bidder’s choice, followed by a VIP backstage tour. Kindly donated by Global Creatures and Warner Brown.
10. Adam Guettel Millions manuscript score sheet – Signed, hand-written single manuscript score sheet from Adam’s new musical Millions based on the film by Danny Boyle. Kindly donated by Adam Guettel.