The Sound Of Music’s Michael Xavier, Rock Of Ages’ Jodie Jacobs and I Can’t Sing’s Cynthia Erivo are among a host of musical theatre stars who have come together to record charity Christmas EP A Very West End Christmas.
The project, which had tongues wagging across Theatreland when it popped up on Twitter as @WEsecretproject, brought stars of the London stage together to perform five festive tracks that will go on sale through iTunes and Amazon on 14 December.
Proceeds from the sale of the songs, which can be bought individually or as an EP, will be split between Great Ormond Street Hospital, via Gigging For Good, CRY UK, via West End Fests, and The Band Aid Charitable Trust.
The tinsel-y tunes available on A Very West End Christmas include two rousing ensemble performances of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and Do The Know It’s Christmas?, though who will sing the famously coveted Bono line “Tonight thank God it’s them, instead of you”, is still unknown.
In addition, leading ladies Sabrina Aloueche (Les Misérables), Jodie Jacobs (Rock Of Ages) and Katie Paine (We Will Rock You) perform O, Holy Night, former Wicked stars Chloe Hart and Jeremy Legat sing Baby It’s Cold Outside, and Xavier croons up a storm with The Christmas Song.
Speaking about the recording, Darren Bell, who co-produced it with Kris Rawlinson, said: “We wanted to do something to raise money for charity that pulled together the amazing talent we have been lucky enough to have worked with over the last year. We wanted to make sure the recording had both seasoned West End performers and those that have just graduated or are starting their career. What everyone has achieved has exceeded all expectations.”
To find out more, visit www.averywestendchristmas.com