Young stage stars debut charity song at Royal Albert Hall

FIFTY students from Theatretrain Coventry took part in a dazzling show at the Royal Albert Hall at the weekend – where they performed a new charity single.

The youngsters, who had been rehearsing tirelessly since the spring, joined 1,200 students from 23 other performing arts centres across the UK for the Theatretrain 25th Anniversary Show.

The Coventry centre was lucky enough to have six soloists selected to perform – out of 250 auditions. Charlotte Bull, Maddie Seery, Ryan Blyth, Callum McArthur, Chloe McDonald and Charley Proom were all “magnificent”, said centre director Cate Mellor.

As well as taking part in the performance – a mash-up medley of hits from The Beatles and The Blues Brothers to Motown and James Bond – the budding stars also sang Somewhere, a charity single all the Theatretrain centres across the UK have recorded to raise funds for the Theodora Children’s Charity.

Describing the performance on Sunday, Cate said: “We launched the single with 1,200 pupils singing the whole song together for the very first time. There was not a dry eye in the house.

“Theodora provide professionally trained performing arts ‘Giggle Doctors’ in hospitals all over the UK to cheer up sick and disabled children during their stay.

“Just £10 provides a child and their family a chance to smile during difficult times.” The Somewhere soloists with Cate Mellor waiting to go on stage

Readers can download the song for £1.99 at gingerdog.co.uk/ theatretrain and support the charity in the process.

Theatretrain Coventry, run by Theatretrain performing Somewhere Katie Gavin and Cate Mellor for the past 14 years, provides professional training in the performing arts to youngsters aged six to 18.

“We are immensely proud of our pupils, both past and present,” said Cate.

“At a time when drama, dance and music are being squeezed out of mainstream education, our company continues to fill that important gap and offer invaluable opportunities so crucial to children’s development.”

Theatretrain classes take place from 10am to 1pm on all Saturdays during term time at Blue Coat Academy in Coventry.

This Saturday, Theatretrain are offering a free trial session. Anyone interested can contact Cate Mellor on 01827 894704 or email coventry@theatretrain.co.uk.