A MUSIC teacher now wants to get his learning-disabled students to Broadway after a dream-come-true performance at the Royal Albert Hall.

Founded by David Stanley, the award-winning, nationwide organisation, The Music Man Project - in partnership with Southend Mencap - creates opportunities for children and adults with learning disabilities to perform music.

Echo:

Music man - David Stanley, right

The dedicated music teacher proved the sky really is the limit after almost two years of rehearsals for their special show, Music is Magic.

The first half of the performance saw the Southend musicians showcase their talents in a musical, named ‘Music is Magic in Space’, to commemorate 50 years since man landed on the moon. The group’s CD was also launched into space.

Founder David said: “The aim is to break down further barriers to equal opportunity that still exist today.

“Just as the crew of Apollo 11 achieved the impossible, our performers reached for the stars and made their own history at the Royal Albert Hall - a feat that would have been far more impossible than the moon landings 50 years ago.”

Speaking of the performance in front of 3,000 people, including Sir David Amess, and musical theatre star, Lee Mead, David added: “I’d always said to the students they would all make it to the Royal Albert Hall one day and it’s something I’ve dreamt of for about 20 years, and that dream finally all came true.

“There were 700 performers in total, including our 200 students with learning disabilities, and they made a massive sound along with the orchestra. It was tremendous, and an amazing occasion.

“We want to lead the way with this national project and our next plans are to go to Broadway - there is no reason why we can’t go to New York

“We want to massively inspire people and show what learning-disabled people can achieve."