A SHOW that was born in London’s West End is heading to Blackburn tomorrow night.

Westenders is a live concert performance of songs from some of the most popular stage musicals of all time and is one of the longest-running touring shows of its kind.

It all began 15 years ago in the dressing room of the Palace Theatre in London.

“We were all in Les Miserables and were coming to the end of our contract on the show,” said founder member Linda Jarvis. “We just decided that we would like to continue singing together and take the songs from the musicals out on tour.”

The show features six singers, all of whom have vast experience in the West End.

“Jill Naler and I are the mainstays of the show and we have a pool of seasoned performers we can call on and that really shows in the performances,” said Linda.

Westenders also features musicians playing live on stage.

“We don’t like backing tracks,” said Linda. “There is no leeway with a backing track, we want the audience to enjoy a live show.”

Currently the singers have a repertoire of over four hours of material which they could use in the show.

“We try and vary the programme every year,” said Linda. “Our strength is being able to gauge a running order and people do come away saying they feel as though they have been to a West End show.

“I think we are quite good at pacing what we do. We link the songs with anecdotes and facts that people might not know and we have a laugh so people get to know us. It’s not just song after song, we do chat as well.”

The musical has become increasingly popular with shows like Wicked and currently Hamilton becoming the hottest tickets in the West End.

“We cover the iconic shows and we give a nod to others,” said Linda. “Clearly we can’t put everything in but we do try to include something for everyone.”

Linda and her fellow performers are also aware that Westenders often introduces musicals to a new audience.

“Our aim is to bring the West End to people who can’t get there,” said Linda. “Let’s face it, it is hugely expensive and can be quite prohibitive.”

The concert-style of the show allows the performers to showcase some of the greatest songs from the musicals.

“That’s the thing,” said Linda. “The songs are so good that they can stand alone. We present them concert style so we aren’t in costume but for something like Les Miserables when you are standing there on stage, you still get that emotion.

“I think what works in our favour is that we have all done a lot of West End shows and we are very experienced,” said Linda. “We are not kids. Don’t get me wrong, kids are also marvellous but I think we bring something different; we have that experience and can bring that to the show.”

Westenders, King George’s Hall, Blackburn, Friday, June 22. Details from 0844 847 1664 or www.kinggeorgeshall.com