Like many tours, this one starts with an album. Released in 2010 and co-produced by Brian May who also picked the tracks for the disc, Anthems features Ellis singing show tunes like “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked,” “You Have To Be There” from “Kristina” and “Anthem” from “Chess.” Other songs include “Diamonds Are Forever” from the James Bond flick of the same name and “Love It When You Call” originally recorded by The Feeling.

You gotta figure that both artists were in their comfort zones recording Anthems. Ellis appeared on the London stage in “Wicked” and originated the role of Meat in the Queen-inspired musical, “We Will Rock You” which was written by Ben Elton in collaboration with May and Queen drummer Roger Taylor.

As for May, the Queen guitarist wrote or co-wrote several songs that ended up on Anthem, including “Dangerland” and “Save Me” as well as “I Can’t Be Your Friend (This Can’t Be Over)” which he penned with Don Black. Two songs from “Wicked,” the aforementioned “Defying Gravity” along with “I’m Not That Girl,” were co-written with Stephen Schwartz.

Directed by Hugh Wooldridge and accompanied by the City Of London Philharmonic, The Anthems Ensemble and the West End Chorus and Dancers, “Anthems: The Concert” goes on the road after Ellis and May deliver a special charity performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall May 1. Tour dates include May 3 at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall, May 5 in Gateshead at The Sage; May 8 in Nottingham at the Royal Centre; May 11 in Edinburgh at the Festival Theatre; May 16 in Manchester at Bridgewater Hall and May 21 in Bath at The Forum.

Along with the tunes mentioned above, each evening’s performance will also include selections from “Rent,” “Hairspray,” “The Rocky Horror Show” and the Elton John/Tim Rice musical, “Aida.”

Tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit Brian May’s website.