Lucy Pearson finds the Jack Petchey Foundation looking for young Surrey talent to claim the stage at the O2 Arena, in front of celebrity judges like Graham Norton
Inspired by the television series Glee, the Jack Petchey Foundation's Glee Club Challenge is the biggest Glee club competition in the UK, having seen over 2,500 performers in the four years since its launch. Previously limited to Greater London and Essex, the competition's horizons are expanding this year to include Surrey, giving more young people the chance to undertake this amazing experience!
All are welcome to audition, be they professionals or beginners, from schools and youth clubs to drama or dance groups.
‘‘Everyone should enter!’’ insists Graham Norton, Head Judge of the competition. ‘‘Every year I am moved by these young people. There is so much passion in their performances, it brings a tear to the eye!’’
He's hardly the competition's only celebrity patron – among those backing it up or sitting at the judges' table are West End personalities John Partridge, Tamzin Outhwaite, Brenda Edwards and Daniel Boys, as well as BBC Entertainment correspondent Brenda Emmanus!
The top 40 groups will be selected from the first auditions, and sent to join a series of intense boot camps and workshops designed by industry professionals to develop and improve their performing skills!
Once whittled down further, the best of the best will arrive at the Grand Final, held at London’s world-renowned O2 Arena in March 2016! Winners will receive a share of £5000-worth of prizes and, of course, the prestige of performing on one of the world’s greatest stages.
Last year saw more than 500 young people enter the Glee Club Challenge in almost 60 groups, with the grand prize going to the eight-strong Infinitones. With the field opening to Surrey, this year promises to be even more successful than the last.
Lee Thompson, the programme director, believes it helps young people to develop their performance skills and build confidence. "Any group of young people with an interest in performing should take a look at the website - and have a go!"
Good luck, and get rehearsing!
Auditioning for the competition is free - for details, see the Glee Club Challenge website
Entrants must be age 11-25, in a group of 8-30 performers
Entry closes on September 25
