A star-studded night with Michael Ball at the London Palladium in aid of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices
It was a very special night on Saturday 11 June, as Michael Ball OBE performed his ‘We Are More Than One’ show in aid of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, to a sold-out audience of 2,500 in London’s most iconic theatre, the London Palladium.
Comedian, actor, and presenter Les Dennis welcomed the audience and introduced our Executive Vice-President Karen Sugarman MBE, to talk about the our work and to thank Michael for putting on the show and thank everyone who bought a ticket.
Michael appeared on stage to rapturous applause, performing songs from his new album and hits from musicals he has starred in, including a powerful rendition from Les Misérables.
Throughout the evening Michael was joined by an incredible line-up of guests including The Overtones, who performed their new single Sweet Caroline. There was also a fantastic performance of the Eurovision hit Spaceman, from Grammy award-winning writer and performer Amy Wadge, who had written the song. Michael was also joined by Westlife’s Mark Feehily to perform a moving duet of The Prayer; and there was a surprise guest of the evening as Britain’s Got Talent finalist Tom Ball joined Michael to duet a song from The Lion King.
Ahead of the concert, Michael, who has been a Patron since 2009, visited our West London hospice, Shooting Star House in Hampton, to spend some time talking to children and families. He joined in with some wonderful Michael-inspired arts and crafts including phantom mask decorating, a ‘hairspray’ station for some fun hair creations and music therapy singing sessions.
Michael Ball OBE said of the visit, “It’s a total and utter joy to be back at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices after so long, to see the place coming alive again, and to see people thriving in this environment. The love, the positivity, the creativity, is undiminished by what we’ve been through over the last few years. I’ve supported this place for a long time and will continue to do so for many more years – it’s a privilege to be part of this family.”
Karen Sugarman MBE, Executive Vice-President of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices said of the concert, “We cannot be more proud of our Patron Michael Ball. Michael’s dedication, passion and commitment has remained incredible. The show was beyond stunning and every performance from Michael and the guest artists were absolutely amazing. I have never known an atmosphere like that at the London Palladium. Michael’s energy was fantastic. It was a night that none of us at the charity will ever forget, and we want to thank every single person who bought a ticket.”
