EXCITING entertainers are being invited to enter a ‘Britain’s Got Talent’-style competition to perform live alongside north east legends at Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre.
The lucky winner will be part of Smile For A Night Variety Show, featuring panto stars Danny Adams and Clive Webb, Britain’s Got Talent finalists The Mimic Men, Hebburn actor and comic Steffen Peddie and famous magician Chris Cross.
The variety show has been organised by children’s charity Smile For Life and sees the best talent the region has to offer come together to help support disabled and disadvantaged children. It has proven to be the biggest fundraiser for the charity to date, with sell-out shows in 2015 and 2016.
The chosen winner of the competition, taking place live at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House on July 4th, will then take to the same stage at Smile For A Night on Sunday October 1st at 3pm.
One of those judging the live auditions is Steffen Peddie. The comedian said: “I want to see the most entertaining, bizarre act. Something amazing, astounding and different to the norm.
“Sometimes the best acts are the ones that are not what you’d expect to see, one of the most amazing acts I have ever seen was a human bouncy ball – so anything goes! It is a variety show after all.”
Performers can be any kind of act that is suitable for live family entertainment and need to initially send a YouTube link or video clip of their performance to frankie@smileforlife.org.uk by midnight on June 26th
Ten finalists will then be chosen to audition live at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House on July 4th in front of a panel of judges, just like the TV show Britain’s Got Talent.
Fellow judge Linsey Teggert, head of marketing at the theatre, said: “We feel really pleased to be involved in this process of finding local talent. I’m really excited and intrigued to see what acts there will be. I want to see something quirky, something weird and wonderful. It’ll be like ‘The North East’s Got Talent!
“This opportunity will offer a platform for an act to perform at a beautiful iconic, Victorian theatre, in front of 1,000 people and to be part of an amazing show.
“We are proud to support Smile For Life Children’s Charity and proud to support this competition to find an up-and-coming star.”
Despite its infancy, Smile For A Night is fast becoming one of the biggest and best variety shows the region has seen for a long time. The last two shows have raised more than £15,000 to help hundreds of disabled and disadvantaged children in the region.
Some of the charity’s beneficiaries are part of its Young Voice Committee, to represent local disabled young people. The committee is also acting as the third judge.
Tickets are on sale now at £10 for adults, £7.50 for concessions. Family tickets are £30 and groups of nine get a tenth free when bought together. Call the Tyne Theatre and Opera House Booking Line on 0844 2491 000 or go to www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk