News in from Beth Jameson of the Leukaemia Research Fund…

Famous actor, director and writer Richard E. Grant has announced that he is to present a one-off concert entitled ‘Music from the Movies: An All Star Celebration’. The concert is a celebration of Patrick Doyle’s most famous movie score creations such as that from Bridget Jones’s Diary.

Taking place at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 28 October in aid of cancer charity Leukaemia Research, stars from all over the world will join him in introducing music from some of the greatest Patrick Doyle film soundtracks of all time such as, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Calendar Girls. Names confirmed so far include Dame Judi Dench, Alan Rickman, Imelda Staunton, Robbie Coltrane and Sir Derek Jacobi.

The music will be performed by the London Symphony Orchestra and the London Symphony Chorus, conducted by Dirk Brossé and will include the premiere of a violin concerto especially composed by Patrick for the evening.

Patrick Doyle was diagnosed with leukaemia in 1997 but was successfully treated and is now in remission.

Patrick Doyle said: “Being diagnosed with leukaemia was such a shock. I’m very aware that due to the ongoing research and the extraordinary work of the doctors and nurses, particularly at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, I am one of the ones that came through, and am still in remission. The only way to give everyone with blood cancer the best possible chance of survival is to improve treatments, and this can only be done with continued research.

“But research costs money – a lot of money. By organising this concert I hope that we can help Leukaemia Research continue their amazing work and bring encouragement to everyone who is diagnosed with this dreadful disease.”

Kenneth Branagh said: “When Patrick approached me about directing a concert in aid of Leukaemia Research I thought it was an excellent idea and was delighted to help. So many people are affected by blood cancers, yet relatively little is known about them. It’ll be a fantastic evening but it means nothing without an audience. We are determined to pack the Albert Hall to the rafters and at the same time raise essential money and awareness for an important, hardworking charity.”

Tickets start at £20 and are available from the Royal Albert hall box office on 020 7589 8212 or by visiting www.royalalberthall.com

For more information about the concert please visit www.patrickdoyleconcert.co.uk http://www.patrickdoyleconcert.co.uk/ or call 020 7405 0101.

Thanks Beth.