TWO of the greatest voices in the world, the nation's leading musical theatre star, Michael Ball and the nation's favourite tenor, Alfie Boe have joined forces for the first time, to record a brand new album as well as take to the stage for a unique UK headline Tour.

They perform, on the 18-date tour, at the BIC, Bournemouth on Saturday, Southampton's Mayflower Theatre on Sunday and Portsmouth Guildhall on Tuesday ( November 8).

Entitled 'Together', the album which is released on Decca Records today, features repertoire from the greatest Broadway shows as well as classic songs both Alfie and Michael have always wanted to record. These eminent recordings will be brought to life on the month-long 'Together' tour, which kicked off last night.

Having first met 10 years ago, performing together in 'Kismet' at the London Coliseum, the stars became lifelong friends. That same year, Michael Ball made history as the first musical theatre star to be given a solo concert at the Royal Albert Hall's BBC Proms, and asked Alfie Boe to join him to perform at the classical music festival.

This instant personal connection and professional mutual admiration makes for the perfect pairing and, to the delight of their hundreds of thousands of fans across the globe, is finally realised with this compelling collaboration.

Michael Ball said of the project, “It’s been my experience that there is only one thing I enjoy more than working with someone whose talent I admire and who constantly challenges themselves to try new things and keeps getting better, therefore making me work harder and try to be better, and that is to work with someone who makes me laugh, has my back and is a real friend. With Alfie I think I've hit the jackpot. This is going to be such a great experience for us and hopefully the audiences....bring it on!!!”.

Alfie Boe said, “My job provides me with great opportunities and none more so as this. The chance to perform with an artist, whose work and talent I've admired for years, is such a great honour for me. Michael has inspired so many singers, including myself, to push themselves further in the crossover field. My philosophy on crossover is more about crossing over the audience than the music, and Michael proved years ago that this was possible. His mainstream appeal in contemporary, musical theatre and classical is evident in his history. A great artist, a fabulous singer, and a wonderful friend. As Michael says, Bring It on!!!”.

Tickets from www.livenation.co.uk and www.gigsandtours.com