THE glitz and glamour of the West End is coming to the Tyne Valley.

More than 2,000 people saw the ground breaking 'Voices of the West End live concert that took place at a stately home in Hampshire - and now the initiative is coming to Bywell Hall.

The home of Northumberland County Show will play host to live theatre on Saturday, September 19, with West End stars John Owen- Jones, Earl Carpenter, Kerry Ellis and Katie Hall performing hits from Chess, The Phantom of the Opera and of course, Les Miserables.

Organisers are confident that there is a demand for live theatre following the huge audience at Broadlands, Hampshire last weekend.

The audience praise, shared widely immediately following the show on social media, described not only the "incredible" performances but also for the safe and secure organisation of the event.

One attendee said: “A huge thanks to everyone involved in tonight's fantastic performance! Friendly, well organised and safe. If you haven't been, what are you waiting for?."

Another added: “It was a fantastic show- just what we all needed… Congrats on organising a brilliant and safe event”

A third said: “Had such a lovely time at #voicesofthewestend last night seeing some of my favourites on stage

again for the first time in 6 months! Thank you for an amazing, safe night”

Producer and performer Earl Carpenter explained how the show sticks to social distancing guidelines.

He said: “From the outset we wanted people to feel entirely safe.

“Every group of up to four guests occupies their own three metre square marked out socially distanced plot, with metres of space between each one.

"But that didn’t dampen the atmosphere and enthusiasm one bit.

"I think everyone was incredibly excited to hear a live performance- and, as four performers, we just loved singing for an audience again”.

Between them John, Earl, Kelly and KaIe have over 5,000 West End and Broadway appearances under their belts.

When Covid struck and theatres shut, it felt like all that was over - but the four experienced performers were determined to kickstart live theatre again in whatever form they could.

John Owen-Jones added: “It’s no good just sitting around waiting.

“We wanted to prove we could bring live theatre back to the people."

‘Voices of the West End’ takes place at Bywell Hall on Saturday, September 19 with two performances at 2pm and 7pm.

Tickets are available via the Newcastle Theatre Royal website, www.theatrroyal.co.uk