Lee's good friend and fellow 'West End Man', the multi-talented Stephen Rahman-Hughes, was in concert in the Matcham Rooms at London's Hippodrome Casino on Saturday 29 March.He was supported by a superb band comprising fellow West End Men alumni, Will Stuart (MD and piano), Ed Richardson (drums) and Laurence Ungless (bass) and had let it be known in advance that two guests would also be joining him on stage - Preeya Kalidas (who many of you will remember as Narrator during Lee's Joseph days) and, of course, Lee.
Stephen is a born showman and had put together a fabulous set - capturing his audience from the moment his voice first sounded from the wings, singing the opening lines of 'Feeling Good', and holding them enthralled to his final bow. It was an evening of musical magic and much laughter, in other words a complete joy. Stephen's first guest, Preeya, sang two numbers with him including a particular favourite of mine, 'Make Me Feel Your Love' and he was also later joined by a surprise third guest - his sister and first singing partner, Lisa.
As for Lee, he and Stephen together are as much a comedy double act as a singing partnership, as can be seen from the wonderful video below of them singing 'Luck Be a Lady', for which my grateful thanks go to the lovely Anne Stern (please do not republish elsewhere). Lee started with a solo number, the beautiful 'Father and Son', first heard at his Pheasantry concerts last year and left the stage after their duet from Guys and Dolls, only to be called back for another number, 'I Believe (When I Fall In Love)', from Lee's last album, performed here in its special 'West End Men' arrangement!
Various cats escaped from bags during the evening - first Stephen letting it be known that he would be appearing at the Pheasantry on Friday 11 July and then Lee confirming the news we had all been waiting for - a London Christmas concert to end his 2014 tour, at the Garrick Theatre on Sunday 7 December and with Stephen as his guest. Tickets are not yet on sale for either event - I will of course let you know when the Garrick show is available for booking.
**BONUS** Another wonderful treat from Anne Stern, Lee's 'encore' performance of 'I Believe', Stephen joining in towards the end. I can't wait to see these two on stage again, not just at the Christmas show just mentioned, but also in Barnstaple on 1 June and Southend on 5 October.
And finally, a few photos from this wonderful evening - some of mine, some from Anne - click any photo to view full Gallery and enjoy!
And a final treat... my good friend and fine photographer, Phill Cowndley, took these last two stunning photos, and many more of both Lee and Stephen. See the rest at his Hippodrome Galleries at Phil Cowndley Photography - Lee Mead and Stephen Rahman-Hughes.
Lee's full concert schedule (including past appearances) can be found at - CONCERT DATESLast updated: 2 April 2014