Three talented young people from the North East have been selected from thousand’s of hopefuls to play parts in two major new theatrical performances set to premiere next month.
The three friends, Callum Saddler, (13) from Cramlington, Brooke Armstrong (12) from Medburn near Ponteland and Kate Storey(14) from Blaydon, all auditioned with more than a thousand other young actors at the Youth Music Theatre UK’s National Auditions for the chance to perform in a number of new perfomances all across the UK.
All three performers are students at Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre Stage School where they gained valuable experience of dance and theatre to such a high standard that they all passed their auditions with flying colours.
Kate will be appearing in “Help! Get Me Out Of This Musical” at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell where she will perform from Friday 10 August to Sunday 12 August. Callum and Brooke however are heading to Belfast to take part in Paperboy – a new musical featuring the sounds of the Bay City Rollers.
Set in 1975, Paperboy tells the story of 12-year-old Tony who delivers newspapers in Belfast at the height of the troubles. Tony has a passion for Doctor Who, the Bay City Rollers, outer space and the love of his life Sharon Burgess.The play is based on a memoir by Irish writer and peace builder Tony Macaulay and adapted for musical stage, with music from platinum-selling Belfast artist Duke Special and writing by stand-up comedian Andrew Doyle.
Brooke and Callum will be spending three weeks away from home in Belfast rehearsing and learning more stage craft before getting the chance to perform at the city’s Lyric Theatre.
Brooke said: “ I know it’s going to be very hard work as we will be working from 9am to 9pm every day learning our lines and moves. I’m really looking forward to it though as I’m sure we will meet new people and learn new skills.We are also very grateful to our agent Peanuts Talent who nominated us all.”
Callum is also looking forward to the once in a lifetime experience: “ The auditions were very intense but also very enjoyable. This is the biggest show I’ve been in and I’m hoping to learn a lot about acting and working in the acting profession.”
Brooke’s mum, Bev is very proud of the achievements of her and her daughter’s friends. “I’m a very proud mum as are the other two’s mums. It’ll be a bit strange having them move away at such a young age but I’m already planning our visit to Belfast to watch them perform. I’m really pleased that they have been awarded the placements as they have worked very hard to get them.”
Kate who is performing in Bracknell in August is getting excited for her role in “Help! Get Me Out Of This Musical”
“This will be the third show I’ve performed in with the Youth Music Theatre and I’m looking forward to seeing my friends again and meeting new ones too. It’s a fantastic experience.“
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Photos show L to R Brooke, Callum and Kate
PR Keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951