IT'S not quite on the street where he lives, but Southend's home-grown star Lee Mead didn't need directions to get to the New Empire Theatre last night.

The 26-year-old heartthrob, who shot to fame in BBC's Any Dream Will Do, made a guest appearance at the theatre as part of a show for Children In Need.

Lee, whose feet haven't touched the ground since he won the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber's West End musical Joseph six months ago, agreed to appear in the show for three reasons - because it was on home soil, as a favour to his former singing teacher, and to raise money for charity.

The former cruise ship worker, who recently kicked off the BBC's live Children in Need campaign on TV, raised the roof of the Alexandra Street venue along with female singing group Trillogy and a handful of other up-and-coming local performers The show, which sold out within a few hours of tickets going on sale, was a celebration of the world's greatest movie music.

Songs from West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera, Titanic, and plenty more were all on the bill, along with nostalgic classics like Putting on the Ritz, Gershwin hits and medleys from favourite film scores.

Singing sensations Colleen Elvidge, Vanessa Cozens and Hilary Pell, who make up Trillogy, are all well known solo performers and teachers in the Southend area.

Vanessa's mum Margaret Cozens taught Lee to sing.

Speaking before the show, Lee told the Echo: "Before Joseph and everything happened, I took singing lessons from Margaret.

"One of the first songs she taught me was On the Street Where You Live, from the musical My Fair Lady, and that's one of the songs I'll be singing tonight.

"I agreed to perform in the show as a favour for her. After everything she did for me, I couldn't say no!

"But I also liked the idea of coming back home. I don't often get to return to Southend, so when a chance comes along I grab it."

Former Eastwood School pupil Lee, who is such a hit with the ladies he's even inspired a Lee Mead Appreciation Society, added: "It'll be nerve-wracking knowing that Margaret will be sitting in the audience watching me. Let's hope I don't let her down!

"I've also heard there's a couple of fans coming all the way from Scotland, which is amazing."

Vanessa, who has performed in many major London venues with Trillogy including at the Royal Albert Hall, said: "I've never met Lee before, but my mum always spoke highly of him.

"We're thrilled that he's come to perform with us and his appearance tonight has meant we raised £3,000 for Children in Need through tickets sales and sponsors."

Andrew Palmer, a well known local pianist, took time out of his day job as deputy headteacher of Heycroft Primary School in Leigh to put the musical score together for the show.

The talented accompanist, chorus master and music teacher remembered Lee from his days of appearing in concerts across south Essex.

"Lee is such a great performer, but just as important he's a lovely guy and he certainly hasn't let fame go to his head," said Andrew.

"I knew him long before he was famous and he's still the same person he was."

Andrew said the concert was "full of razzle dazzle and musical classics".

Leigh Operatic and Dramatic Society member Stuart Woolner, was also part of the impressive line-up as was the Southend Wind Orchestra.

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