Several major Musical Theatre stars are to headline a concert production of Godspell, the heart-lifting feel-good Broadway musical from Stephen Schwartz (Wicked), at St. Paul's Church in Covent Garden on Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 August.
Leading a cast of talented new young performers to launch of The British Theatre Academy will be Broadway and West End Wicked Star
Kerry Ellis, Olivier Nominated
Preeya Kalidas (Bend It Like Beckham) and Tony-nominated
Ramin Karimloo (Jean Valjean in Les Mirerables and the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera).
A timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love, Godspell, will be directed by
Dean Johnson with musical direction by Michael Bradley (Grey Gardens).
The evening will be hosted by Mark Shenton, associate editor and joint lead critic of The Stage.
The British Theatre Academy has been set up to give young people who can not afford to access theatre theatre training the opportunity to work with top creatives in venues around the country.
A cast of 300 British Theatre Academy performers are to appearing in the West End this summer in a special family version of the Tony award-winning musical The Secret Garden, based on the 1911 novel by
Frances Hodgson Burnett with script and lyrics by Pulitzer prize and Tony award-winner
MarSha Norman and music by Grammy award-winner
Lucy Simon. The Secret Garden, directed by Rupert Hands, will run 6 weeks at the
Ambassadors Theatre from Wednesday 27 July to Wednesday 31 August.
British Theatre Academy Artistic Director Matthew Chandler said: "I am delighted that Kerry, Ramin and Preeya are giving our kids the opportunity to work with such amazing, inspiring, world class talents. Godspell promises to be an unforgettable expeience for them all.
Tickets from £17:50 can bo booked at:
www.ticketsource.co.uk/thebritishtheatreacademy.
Proceeds will go to continuing the great work of THE BTA giving young people the chance to perform for free.
Kerry Ellis said: "It's so great to have the opportunity to work with new talent who have passion for the arts, that's exactly what the kids from the British Theatre Academy are all about'.
Preeya added: "I'm so excited to be able to go back to where to all began for me"
.
