Singer returning to his roots for special one-off concert...
Fund-raising concert for Shepshed Community Bus by West End star
AN APPEAL by the Shepshed Special Community Bus (SSCB) team to raise funds to buy a new bus is being given a major boost by a special concert in October by a finalist from Britain’s Got Talent.
Kieran Sutcliffe is orignally from Shepshed and is now one of the most acclaimed and sought after Tenors in the UK, having performed in concerts all over the world including London’s West End - he also reached the finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2014 with Sarah James.
Now he is returning to where it all began for a one off show on October 5 at the Iveshead Theatre, Forest Street, Shepshed, where he will be singing the songs of Michael Ball and Alfie Boe with Luke Sabatino.
The concert is already on the way to becoming a sell-out with more than half of the tickets already sold and ahead of the show Kieran spoke to the Echo about his journey from a youngster in Shepshed to the West End stage and how he is looking forward to returning home for the SSCB fund-raiser.
“I went to Oxley Primary School before moving up to Shepshed High School then later Hind Leys Community College. This was where I found my love for singing, dancing and acting. I took GCSE Dance and Music and joined Shepshed Youth Dance run by the fabulous Linda Dootson. Linda was a great asset to me growing up, she pushed me to pursue what I loved doing which was performing to the highest of my abilities.
“At college we always did a big musical show and this particular year it was ‘Grease’ I’d seen the film and loved it so decided to put my name down to audition. I wanted to play the role of Danny Zuko so bad I decided to pester my mum for singing lessons to get me ready so I went to a singing teacher based in Loughborough. He really taught me how to sing scales and really widened my repertoire.
“It was a whole new experience for me as I never had to use any of these muscles ever before - as soon as I discovered these muscles and that I could sing I decided this is what I want to pursue as a profession and never looked back since.
“I remember practicising with my music teacher Pete Fines who turned round to me after and said ‘where did you get a voice like that’ if you keep that up you will have a very long career in the profession keep at it!’ I was 15 years old at this time, those words have stuck with me ever since.
“The week after I went and auditioned and managed to get the lead role Danny Zuko it was a great achievement and I was so pleased. The show went amazing with great reviews, great feedback and that was it then I wouldn’t stop performing.”
He became part of Christchurch Theatre club, went on to earn a scholarship to the Mountview Academy Of Theatre Arts for three years coming out with a degree in musical Theatre and a top London West End agent Shane Collins Associates.
“I have been with them nearly 10 years and they have been fantastic - I’ve done some great jobs with them, I’m very thankful. I’m very fortunate now as I get to perform all over the world my own show that I put together.
“This brand new duo I’m in with my good friend Luke Sabatino is singing the songs of the kings of The West End Michael Ball & Alfie Boe. It’s been live now about eight months and we have received a cracking response. I can’t wait to bring it to The Iveshead Theatre in Shepshed where it all started out for me - it’s certainly going to bring back great memories.”
• Tickets for the October 5 show are £10 each and are available from the Shepshed Town Council Building, by phoning 01509 650531 or emailing sscb9a@gmail.com