Matt sings for your support

MATT Bond can normally be found singing on the corner of Sheep Street in Stratford-upon-Avon, drawing fairly healthy crowds.

But Friday, 19th August, he will perform at Stratford Town Hall to help him fund his place at the Royal Academy of Music.

The 27-year-old, from Castle Bromwich, will be studying an MA in Musical Theatre starting in September.

He said: “I have never studied singing or music before but have been to Sheffield Hallam University and Warwick University to study disability studies and social work, respectively.

“I need to raise £15,000 and I have raised £7,500 so far. My course is 12 months. I have busked for the past two years in Stratford and other places because I, both, love singing and am able to raise money through it too.”

Matt loves singing songs from musical theatre including As If We Never Said Goodbye and Bring Him Home, but also some classic songs like Hallelujah.

“After completing the MA I hope to go straight into the West End in Phantom of the Opera or The Lion King,” he added.

Among those who have graduated from the Royal Academy of Music are Lesley Garrett, Sir Elton John and Annie Lennox.

Matt’s fundraising show starts at 7pm and tickets are £10, on sale on the night or in advance at the Town Hall.