Perfect Pitch announces Michael Ball as new patron

Perfect Pitch has announced WhatsOnStage Award winning actor Michael Ball as its new patron.

Perfect Pitch is a not-for-profit theatre company, supported by Arts Council England, dedicated to creating new British musicals.

Ball, whose many musical theatre credits include Les Miserables, Hairspray and Sweeney Todd, said he was glad to "play his part" in aiding the development of new projects.

He added: "We have a wonderful tradition of creating great musicals in this country and, to ensure its bright future, it's essential that we give emerging writers every opportunity to develop their craft and create the hit shows of tomorrow. It's fantastic that Perfect Pitch can offer such great opportunities."

Andy Barnes, executive producer of Perfect Pitch, said: "Michael shares our passion in supporting emerging talent with new ideas for musicals, particularly contemporary ideas that relate to an evolving audience. We are delighted that he's committed some of his valuable time to further this cause."

Perfect Pitch has also announced that two of its past production, Aaron Lee Lambert's From Up Here and LIFT starring Cynthia Erivo, will be available on DigitalTheatre.com from 7 April.

Digital Theatre's Robert Delamere said: "DigitalTheatre.com and Perfect Pitch are committed to introducing the arts to as wide an audience as possible and through our partnership with Perfect Pitch we strive to promote new voices in the field of musical theatre."