James Morgan creates Symfunny fundraiser

Armstrong and Miller and Jason Manford are to take part in a charity fundraiser at the Royal Albert Hall, put together by a composer who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 42.

The Symfunny event, which mixes comedy and music, was created by James Morgan after he was diagnosed with the condition last year, and will also feature music stars including Alfie Boe, Julian Lloyd Webber and Rebecca Ferguson.

Morgan and his partner Juliette Pochin have composed music for several comedy shows including Armstrong & Miller (having been at Cambridge with Alexander Armstrong), According to Bex and The Kumars at No 42. They also worked on a classical albums with Katherine Jenkins, Alfie Boe and Joe McElderry.

Morgan said: ‘This announcement is also my “coming out: to the music industry. This was a devastating blow for a 42 year old with a young family and I was concerned that I would be stigmatised, pitied and overlooked.

‘I’m overwhelmed by the support my friends and colleagues in the business have given me. This event has not only allowed me to prove that I’m still here and working, but also to use what I know best to raise awareness of this cruel condition and help others by raising vital funds to continue the research to find a cure.’

The Symfunny event, in aid of Parkinson’s UK, will take place on Wednesday June 4. Tickets, priced from £25, go on sale at 9am.

Armstrong said: ‘It's going to be an unforgettable event and all for a cause that is close to many of us.’

Published: 13 Feb 2014