Twenty Years, Two Phone Calls, One Dream

On October 15th 2017, The Music Man Project performed at the West End's London Palladium theatre for the second time in three years. Our 2015 debut had been a tremendous success but failed to convince the Royal Albert Hall that we could put on a similar production at a bigger venue.

Music is Magic at the London Palladium, 2015

Our second show was another chance to prove we could sell out the famous West End theatre with the hope of reaching the iconic concert hall. We had more performers than ever before, with new Music Man Project regions joining the original Southend group for the first time in a major concert. I felt under tremendous pressure to sell tickets and fulfil my 20‑year promise that we would one day play the Royal Albert Hall.

In early 2017, I attended a reception at the House of Commons with Sir David Amess to help launch Southend as a contender for City of Culture status. My Music Man Project students were showcasing the diversity and inclusivity of our town through previews of our Palladium repertoire.

Performing at Westminister - moments before a phone call changed my life

I crept out to take one of the most important phone calls of my life.

"Hello David, it's Jan Tregelles here — CEO of Royal Mencap."

Jan watched our first Palladium performance and we had met several times about expanding my work nationwide. As one of the UK’s leading charities supporting people with a learning disability, Mencap was an obvious choice as a strategic partner. The Music Man Project in Southend was already operated by Southend Mencap, my employer at the time. Although nothing ever came from the meetings, my relationship with Jan remained positive and we were honoured to perform at several Mencap Christmas Carol Services before she left her post.

Jan continued, "We need a tribute concert to mark the recent passing of our Royal Mencap President, Lord Brian Rix, and to celebrate our 70th anniversary. Could we possibly piggy‑back off your Palladium concert later this year please? I did so love your 2015 show!"

I paused. There was a funny echo on the line as if someone was listening in. I was in the House of Commons after all. I used this as an excuse to bide my time. I liked Jan, but Mencap had failed to believe in my vision for The Music Man Project.

"I was thinking that perhaps we could buy all your tickets and then give them away for free to our members. We would save some for your supporters, of course."

I should have said, "No, sorry Jan, it's my show and I already have a packed programme."

I'm so relieved I didn't. It took about 10 seconds for me to realise the wider implications of this phone call.

I pondered...

The Royal Albert Hall would only let us book their large venue if we proved that we could sell out a medium‑size London venue. But if Royal Mencap bought all the tickets to give them away, then I could tell the Royal Albert Hall they were all sold out - due to popular demand!

"Jan, it would be my honour to accommodate Royal Mencap in my Music Man production at the London Palladium! Thanks so much for calling!"

Jan was true to her word. She purchased all the tickets. I informed the Royal Albert Hall that we had secured a capacity audience at the Palladium. In no time at all, we had a provisional date booked in the diary.

Twenty years of promising my students would play the Royal Albert Hall. Twenty years of breaking down barriers. It just took a bit of luck and some tenacity.

The Palladium show was already jam‑packed. Now I had to include a 30‑minute tribute to Lord Rix and Royal Mencap at the start, but it was all worth it.

The final production featured the premiere of my second West End musical, "The Label", based on the true story of a mother giving birth to a baby with Down's Syndrome, by Caroline White. It also included a Guinness World Record attempt for the largest ever triangle ensemble. My composition ended up being a Concerto for Trumpet, Trombone and a world‑record 1,521 triangles! Sir David Amess and the then Countess of Wessex were among the record breakers, proudly donging their triangles in time with the music from the Royal Box.

Breaking a Guinness World Record in the Royal Box - Music is Magic at the London Palladium, 2017

I triumphantly returned to teaching in Southend a few days later. A phone call interrupted my piano playing. It was the Royal Albert Hall.

"Hello David, it's Dave here from the Royal Albert Hall."

Butterflies filled my stomach. I dreaded the news that they were going to cancel our booking.

He continued, "I'm just confirming everything is on track for your booking."

I breathed a sigh of relief. I'd already told everyone that this was happening. Families from Music Man Projects across the country were gearing up for their Albert Hall debut.

"We just need to collect a deposit from you. As this is the first time you've booked with us, we will need the full amount up front."

My heart sank.

I should have said, "No, sorry Dave, we can't afford that in one go. We were hoping to fund the production from the ticket sales."

I'm so relieved I didn't. Just as before, it took about 10 seconds for me to realise the wider implications of this phone call.

I pondered...

There was no way I was going to let this opportunity go. It had taken twenty years to reach this point. This life‑changing moment for the disabled community. For accessible arts and culture in the UK. For my career. For my credibility.

"Yes, that's fine. Thank you. I will send you the money next week."

I needed some money until we could fundraise and sell some tickets. I had recently re‑mortgaged to complete some home improvements. It was time to make a little loan!

And that’s how twenty years of hope finally found a stage...

Music is Magic at the Royal Albert Hall, 2019