EXCITING entertainers are being invited to enter a ‘Britains Got Talent’ style competition to perform in a variety show at Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre.
The lucky winner, who will be chosen by a panel of judges, will be on stage alongside local legends Danny Adams and Clive Webb, BBC Comedy winner The Lost Voice Guy, Britains Got Talent singer Nick Celino and Lemington Male Voice Choir – to name but a few.
The variety show ‘Smile For A Night’ has been organised by Tyneside children’s charity Smile For Life and is expected to be a sell-out after a hugely successful launch in 2015.
There are seven established acts signed up to take part in this year’s show, but organisers have decided to save the last spot for a lesser-known local, to give them the chance to showcase their skills to a huge audience in a fantastic venue.
The only criteria for the entrants is that they are not singers, due to the high number of established vocalists already taking part – but anything else goes from circus acts to ventriloquists.
One of the judges is Danny Adams, patron of Smile For Life charity, who says he is looking for an unusual and exciting act. He said: “I want something different. I’d like a good speciality act – it could be a magician or juggling. The weirder the better!”
Performers are invited to initially send in a YouTube link or video clip of their act and entries will close at midnight on Sunday May 15th. The judges Danny Adams, Linsey Teggert, head of marketing at the Tyne Theatre and Smile For Life’s Young Voice Committee, will then select a shortlist of 10 to audition live at the Tyne Theatre on June 21st.
Danny, who has performed on TV and on stage since the age of five, says the standard needs to be high, and hopes his years as a seasoned entertainer will help him to choose the winning act.
He added: “I’ll be an honest judge, firm but fair – like Simon Cowell! When I first started out I entered a talent show so I know how daunting it can be. There’ll be no booing, just encouragement and advice. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to perform in one of the North East’s top theatres in a great show, good luck everyone!”
Judge Linsey Teggert, from the theatre, says it’s great for them to be involved in the competition. She said: “We feel really pleased to be involved in this process of finding local talent, rather than just being a venue we can feel a part of this.”
“We are proud to support Smile For Life Children’s Charity and proud to support this competition to find an up-and-coming star.
“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!”
She added: “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.”
Despite its infancy, Smile For A Night has already proven to be the best fundraiser for the charity to date – raising over £8,000 in profit to go towards helping more 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.
Cole Forster, from the committee, says he’s excited to see what entries they get. The 21-year-old who has Autism, added: “I am looking forward to seeing the acts. I’d like to see some magic, or juggling – maybe a circus act.
“I do think people will be nervous when they audition but I will be kind to them.”
A sentiment shared by Ross Keeley, also part of the Young Voice Committee. The 19-year-old who has learning difficulties, said: “I think there’ll be a lot of laughter in the auditions and we’ll keep people smiling. We will help everyone if they’re nervous. Comedy is my favourite so I’m hoping for that – or Cheryl Cole!”
Anyone interested in entering the competition should send an email with information on their act and a video link to their performance to info@smileforlife.org.uk by midnight on Sunday May 15th.
Smile For A Night will take place on Sunday October 2nd at 3pm at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House, Newcastle.
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