Coronation Street star Kym Marsh, Michelle Connor in the long-running ITV soap, will be stepping out from behind the bar of the Rovers Return to be on the judging panel of Junior Achievement’s Next Big Thing grand final on Saturday February 28th 2015.
The former Hear’Say singer turned actress who has performed at the Gaiety Theatre in a Parker and Snell production of the Vagina Monologues will be lending her expert opinion as one of the judges in the Manx charity’s talent competition for under-17s that provides young people a unique opportunity to perform live in front of a packed house at the Gaiety Theatre.
Kym said: ‘When you go out on stage it’s like stepping into the unknown. It’s the same being in the cast of Coronation Street where there’s always the excitement about what the writers have planned for your next storyline so I really understand how it’s going to feel for everyone competing in the Next Big Thing. As a performer you always remember your first big break and the important part it played in your career so I’m really looking forward to being involved in Junior Achievement’s fantastic talent competition.’
Junior Achievement’s chief executive Sue Cook said: ‘We are delighted that Kym’s agreed to our guest judge for the 2015 Next Big Thing final. She’s a great inspiration to anyone setting out as a performer and knows all about what it takes to walk out on stage or on set and capture the hearts and minds of an audience.
‘And this is exactly what we’re looking for in entrants for the Next Big Thing. The competition’s now in its fourth year and every year produces some truly outstanding talent. We’re looking for every kind of act, not just singers and musicians, but absolutely anyone with a love of performing, be they dancers, acrobats, mime artists, comedians, jugglers. Soloists, groups – they’re all welcome to come and audition and perhaps become one of the finalists with a chance to win a fantastic cash prize and perhaps go on to perform at other high-profile events.
‘The Next Big Thing gives young people a unique opportunity to showcase their talent, boosts their confidence and helps set them on the path to whatever career they choose. All of us at Junior Achievement can’t wait to see what this year’s auditions will reveal.’
15 acts will be selected to take part in the grand final at the Gaiety Theatre when the winner will take away a cash prize of ?500 sponsored by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. Second prize is ?250 sponsored by Manx Professional and Educational Services Ltd and the ?150 third prize is sponsored by Hartford Homes.
If you’re up for the challenge and aged between 11 and 17 on February 28th 2015 then Junior Achievement wants to hear from you. Auditions will be held on Sunday November 9th and 16th with the semi-final held on Sunday November 23rd.
Entry forms can be downloaded now from thenextbigthing.im. Applications close on October 20th 2014.
The Next Big Thing is sponsored by Paragon Recruitment and Energy FM.
For more information call Sally Drinkwater 666266 or email sally.drinkwater@jaiom.im.
