The concert will be led by musical director Alan Williams (Evita, Sunset Boulevard, Funny Girl, Crazy For You) and directed by Rupert Hands (Evita, Sunset Boulevard, Roam). The creative team also includes lighting design by Peter Small, sound design by Rob Bettle & Sam Clarkson for Sound Quiet Time, and production management by Jack Boissieux.
The concert will feature Nicole Scherzinger(Sunset Boulevard, The Pussycat Dolls), Giles Terera MBE (Passing Strange, Hamilton), Tom Francis (Sunset Boulevard, &Juliet), David Thaxton (Roam, Sunset Boulevard), Diego Andrés Rodriguez (Roam, Evita, Sunset Boulevard), Bella Brown (Into The Woods, Evita) and James Olivas (Evita, American Idiot).
They are joined by Alex Newell (Shucked, Chicago), Carrie Hope Fletcher (Calamity Jane, Once), Joel Montague (Just For One Day, Hamilton), Ramin Karimloo (Roam, Pirates! The Penzance Musical, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), Jordan Luke Gage (Titanique, Bonnie & Clyde), Lucie Jones (Wicked, 13 Going on 30), Ben Joyce (Shucked, Back to the Future: The Musical), Melanie La Barrie (Hadestown, &Juliet) and Rebecca Lock (Freaky Friday, Here & Now).
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| Ben Joyce. |
We spoke to Ben Joyce ahead of the concert.
What can you tell me about One For The Boys taking place on 1st February?
Love Life is a charity concert happening at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on Sunday, 1st February. We have a whole line up of amazing West End performers coming together to raise money and awareness for men’s cancer charity, One For The Boys.
Could you share what this concert means to you personally, if comfortable, and why it’s important for the West End community to come together for this cause?
I’m really honoured to be asked to be involved in the Love Life concert. Cancer is something that has affected nearly everyone at some point in their lives. Whether that be to them personally, or to a loved one or a friend. But I think it’s really important we talk about men’s cancer and bring awareness to those who might not know what to look out for, or are tentative of seeking medical advice.
What is it like when you get to share the bill with such a varied set of West End and Broadway stars?
I feel super excited to be sharing the stage with such incredible people. We have a really exciting line up for the evening and I can’t wait to see their performances from the wings!
With a star-studded lineup and creative team, how does the talent and expertise of everyone involved elevate the message of the event?
It’s sure to be a really entertaining evening with some amazing performances, but it’s a wonderful opportunity to raise money for a charity and cause that can sometimes get missed. This is an opportunity to talk about it, share stories and celebrate life.
How do you approach selecting what to sing for a concert like this?
There will be a whole variety of songs at this concert. But I’ve worked with both Alan Williams and Rupert Hands previously, so we came together and chose two songs from those times we’ve shared together.
I feel super excited to be sharing the stage with such incredible people. We have a really exciting line up for the evening and I can’t wait to see their performances from the wings!
With a star-studded lineup and creative team, how does the talent and expertise of everyone involved elevate the message of the event?
It’s sure to be a really entertaining evening with some amazing performances, but it’s a wonderful opportunity to raise money for a charity and cause that can sometimes get missed. This is an opportunity to talk about it, share stories and celebrate life.
How do you approach selecting what to sing for a concert like this?
There will be a whole variety of songs at this concert. But I’ve worked with both Alan Williams and Rupert Hands previously, so we came together and chose two songs from those times we’ve shared together.
What is your process like when you are preparing for a show?
I guess it’s the same for any show. Know my lines, turn up on time and work hard. For this one, I’m just truly honoured to be a part of something this special.
What was the first piece of theatre that had a big impact on you?
For me, this was Jersey Boys. It was the first musical I saw in the West End as a kid.
What would be your 3 desert island musical theatre soundtracks?
For me, this was Jersey Boys. It was the first musical I saw in the West End as a kid.
What would be your 3 desert island musical theatre soundtracks?
1. Hamilton - you get so many different genres in one show. 2. Songs for a New World - it’s just one of my favourites. 3. Hunchback of Notre Dame - probably one of the greatest scores ever written.
How do you reflect on your career to date?
I reflect very fondly. I’ve met some amazing people along the way. Done some awesome shows. But the people you take from each job is the real gift. What keeps you inspired?
The people closest to me. They are the reason I’m doing the thing I love. Their support has been the biggest gift. They inspire me.
Looking ahead, you're about to play Phillip Carlyle in the World Premiere Stage adaptation of The Greatest Showman, how are things going with the preparations ahead of opening in Bristol in March?
It’s going really well. The cast and creative team are such a dream. I’m very excited for the world to see what we’re creating.
What would you want someone to take away from the concert?
First and foremost, I’d like to raise as much money and awareness for an amazing charity. But I hope everyone leaves feeling uplifted and inspired. Let’s celebrate love and life.
Love Life: West End Unites Against Cancer takes place at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Sunday 1st February 2026 at 6pm. Tickets are available from https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/one-for-the-boys/
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