Calderdale pupil to follow in footsteps of Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith

Joseph Willis, 12, has been selected by Youth Music Theatre UK (YMT) to perform this summer in a new musical entitled Cautionary Tales.

The musical takes place in August at the Barbican Theatre in Plymouth.

The cast of Cautionary Tales includes 40 talented performers aged 11-21. They were selected from a national tour where more than 1,000 young people auditioned from across the UK and Ireland.

Youth Music Theatre UK has helped shape the careers of many, including Brit Award winner Ed Sheeran and Grammy Award nominee Sam Smith.

Speaking ahead of the production, Joseph said: “I’m so excited to have been chosen to be part of YMT Company 2018. I’ve seen both Jabberwocky and Tess of the D’Urbervilles.

“So many talented people performed and I can’t wait to work with the teachers and other performers to produce Cautionary Tales this summer.”

A spokesman for the Youth Theatre said: “This new musical is created by YMT, which has a reputation for producing works of the highest quality.

“YMT’s past credits include Loserville: The Musical, which was Olivier Award-nominated for Best New Musical.

“YMT produces vibrant, innovative and original works in the UK’s top venues and festivals. Since launching in 2003 the national charity has trained over 8,000 young people and launched the careers of many.”