Despite being born with only one hand - and taking up the piano at the relatively late age of 14 - Nicholas McCarthy’s rise to concert pianist has defied all the odds.

But quick on the heels of a record deal everyone told him was impossible, Tadworth’s Mr McCarthy is gearing up to play a homecoming concert at the Epsom Playhouse on Thursday, October 29.

The 26-year-old told the Epsom Guardian that he has to thank the ‘go get it’ attitude instilled in him by his parents for his remarkable career.

It’s seen him graduate as the Royal College of Music’s first left-hand-only pianist in its 130-year-history, perform all over the world with the biggest names in music, and even performed alongside Coldplay at the Closing Ceremony of the 2012 Paralympic Games in front of an audience of half a billion worldwide.

Mr McCarthy said: "Most people would have discouraged their one-handed child from playing the piano, but my parents never did that.

"They always treated me as though I could do anything any able-bodied person could, with a bit of extra determination.

"And now I have the attitude that if someone tells me ‘no’, it makes me work harder, it makes me so much more determined. I’m like a dog with a bone."

People have indeed been telling Mr McCarthy ‘no’ his entire life, and he takes pride in being what he calls ‘one of the only disabled artists out there’.

Even the blind opera singer, Andrea Bocelli he says, doesn’t have an impairment which affects his ability to perform the way his does.

Nowadays Mr McCarthy’s drive comes from the reaction of the fans; he says the sold-out concert theatres and the two-hour long signing sessions are a testament to that.

One experience at a recent show moved him in particular.

"I had a blind man come backstage during the interval, because when his friend told him I only one hand, he couldn’t believe it. He couldn’t believe his ears.

"It was a really special moment for me and it’s one of the reasons I do this.

"My job is to make it sound as if I have two hands. I suppose that means I did my job."

A record deal penned in April with Warner Music, the same label Ed Sheeran is signed to, was the culmination of many years of passion and hard work for Mr McCarthy.

Patrick Lemanski, head of classics at Warner Music UK, said: "When we saw Nicholas in concert for the first time we were blown away by his artistry and warm connection with the audience.

"He truly is a one-of-a-kind artist who gets people excited about classical music in a unique and modern way. We’re delighted he’s now part of the Warner family."

October’s show at the Playhouse will cap off a phenomenal few months for the musician, and it’s sure to be a special night all around.

Tickets cost between £7.50 and £17.00 and are on sale now and can be booked at: www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk, or by calling the Box Office on 01372 742555/742227.