Sunderland starlets to share Empire stage with Joe McElderry

Youngsters from Sunderland-based Northern Star Theatre Arts will be hitting the high note as the choir in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat when the hit show, starring Joe in the lead role, plays at Sunderland Empire later this month.

The talented group were chosen by producers of the musical, which features tracks Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door and more.

Geri Feeney, principal at Northern Star Theatre Arts, said it’s a great opportunity for the youngsters to experience a professional production.

“Here at Northern Star Theatre Arts, we were delighted when the Bill Kenwright production team approached our theatre school to star along side Joe,” she said.

“This is a fantastic experience for all the students and they are currently working very hard rehearsing the songs for the show.

“Two teams of 32 Northern Star students will rotate between shows for the week. This really is a great opportunity for all those involved and I know the children will make their theatre school and families very proud.”

The school has been training budding stars in the city for almost ten years.

It moved from its original base at Sunderland High Junior School after it was announced that Sunderland High would be closing.

Northern Star students are now taught at specialist performance arts premises at Bede College.

•Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at Sunderland Empire from May 31 to June 4. Tickets, priced from £17.40, are available from Tel.0844 871 3022.