Top musicians and singers will perform iconic songs from West End musicals at the Princes Hall in Aldershot on January 30.

They are taking part in Musical Theatre Classics to raise money for Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care and Dogs for Autism.

The concert has been inspired by and will be conducted by Stephen Brooker, who is worldwide executive musical supervisor for Cameron Mackintosh and was conductor and musical director for the Universal Pictures film of Les Misérables.

Stephen said: “This is an unmissable opportunity to experience an evening of some of the most popular musical theatre songs ever written, performed by six leading West End soloists, a 21-piece West End orchestra, the Laine Theatre Arts Choir and the Cody Musical Theatre Company.”

Phyllis Tuckwell is well known throughout the Herald area, and like many others Stephen has known people who used its hospice care services.

But his association with Dogs for Autism began after he moved to Crondall.

Stephen said: “About three years ago I met Hilary Armour, who runs Dogs for Autism. I became a foster dad and socialiser for dogs.

“It’s a wonderful cause, providing dogs for autistic kids. They provide calmness and respite for the kids and their families. It’s extraordinary to see it first-hand. Some of my composer and producer friends have sponsored dogs.”

Four years ago Stephen raised “a significant amount of money” with a similar concert in Crondall, and despite two postponements because of lockdowns he is hoping to do the same again in Aldershot.

He said: “If we manage to sell out I know I’ll be able to make quite a significant contribution to these two brilliant charities, because they deserve it after a terrible time. But the bottom line is it has to be entertainment, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Such a show requires all the right people to make it a success, and Stephen is happy with his recruitment for the big night.

He said: “With my contacts in London, I’ve got a phenomenal orchestra coming down. The six principals are all of top calibre and are really lovely mates. I asked if they would be willing to help these charities and they said yes.”

The capacity of the Princes Hall stage will be tested as the choir will feature more than 50 voices, evenly split between Cody’s “mature” volunteers and third year students from Laine, who are aged between 19 and 21. Stephen is patron of both organisations.

He said: “Everyone has been so incredibly supportive and I’ve met so many people who wanted to become involved. If people can have a good night out at the theatre and we raise money at the same time, then brilliant.”

The show starts at 7pm. For tickets, priced £30, £50, £70 or £100, call 01252 329155 or visit https://www.princeshall.com/event/115601/musical-theatre-classics