A group of talented young performers from Blackburn’s Made for Stage theatre academy are set to star on the West End.
The group will take to the stage at the world-famous His Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End this Easter.
The touring cast, made up of 32 local children aged nine to 18, was chosen from more than 350 schools and academies across the UK to perform in a prestigious children’s variety showcase on Sunday, April 13.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the children, many of whom have never set foot in London, let alone performed on one of its most iconic stages.
His Majesty’s Theatre is home to the long-running musical The Phantom of the Opera, making it an unforgettable venue for the young cast.
One cast member said: "Having the opportunity to perform on the West End is one of my biggest dreams come true.
"It’s one of the best opportunities I've ever been given, and I'm so grateful."
Another addeD: "Made For Stage is like my second home where everyone makes me feel so welcome, like we're one big family."
The milestone performance comes three years and a day after the academy opened its doors.
Since then, Made for Stage has grown to more than 200 members across 10 casts, all made up of children from Blackburn with Darwen.
They regularly perform at major regional venues, including Manchester Palace Theatre and Blackpool Winter Gardens, but this London showcase will be their biggest stage yet.
Founder and director of Made for Stage, Simon Robinson, a Blackburn native and former performer himself, expressed his pride in bringing this opportunity to local children.
“As someone who chased my own dream of performing, giving these kids the chance to experience the magic of London’s West End is beyond special,” he said.
“Blackburn isn’t known for its access to the arts, so being able to prove that local children can achieve something this big is incredible.”
The academy’s touring cast has previously performed crowd-pleasing numbers like an Aladdin mega mix and Proud Mary from Tina the Musical.
For the London showcase, they will take on a Matilda mega mix and a high-energy number from The Hot Mikado.
Made for Stage doesn’t just focus on its academy members; it is also working with local primary schools in Blackburn to introduce musical theatre to children who may never have had access to it before.
They established themselves at Feniscowles Primary School, working with children from years three to six for a full day.
Here, they developed their confidence in a safe, fun environment and performed mini-shows for their parents at the end of each term.
Another young performer said: "It means the absolute world to have been given the opportunity to perform on a West End stage.
"A couple of years ago I would never have stepped on a stage, and here I am now.
"This is going to be an amazing taster opportunity for the future."
They are now starting to offer lessons at St Anne’s Catholic School, located in the centre of Blackburn, and St Francis Primary at Cherry Tree.
The academy is now expanding this initiative by developing a community interest company, Made for Stage Community, to make musical theatre more accessible to all children, regardless of financial background.
For more information, visit Made for Stage UK on social media or the group's website.
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