West End actor in return to county

A former Shropshire student who is now a West End star is returning to the county for two special performances of songs from hit shows.

Graham Newell, 24, who was brought up in Bayston Hill, will be returning from London, where he has appeared in Footloose and Grease, to sing at Shrewsbury School.

Mr Newell went to Oakland Primary School, Church Stretton Secondary School and Shrewsbury Sixth Form and was also a member of Shrewsbury Amateur Operatic Society before moving to London to train at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.

Since graduating he has appeared in musicals including Annie Get Your Gun and Babes in Arms before his West End debut in Grease.

The event, on June 14, called West End Live, will also feature Francesca Jackson who was one of the finalists on the BBC1 show I'd Do Anything which searched for Nancy for the Oliver stage show.

Also on the bill is Joel Elferink, who has appeared in Home and Away and Les Miserables, and Gemma O'Duffy who has appeared in We Will Rock You.

Mr Newell's mother Lynn, who still lives in Shrewsbury, said: "It's nice that his family get the chance to see him perform in his home town. London is a long way for his grandparents to go so they are looking forward to seeing him on the stage."

Tickets for the two performances in the Maidment Theatre are £10. Call 07907 686 400 or e-mail westendlive@hotmail.co.uk to book