EastEnders actor and West End stage star John Partridge will be coming to Highbridge in September to lead a musical theatre singing workshop for juniors and adults.
The event, in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK, will be held on Saturday 9th September at Churchfield School, Highbridge.
“John led a workshop in Highbridge two years ago that proved very successful. It was so much fun as he brought so much enjoyment to those he taught with his infectious, charming and flamboyant personality,” organiser Siobhan Johnson told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
“We are so privileged and honoured to have him back again this year, especially as he will come straight off the back of his La Cage Aux Folles UK Tour and raising money for his nominated charity Alzheimer’s Research UK.”
“He will be bringing a touch of the West End to the southwest and what a fabulous opportunity for us to experience right on our doorstep with such an iconic performer.”
“He will be taking two workshops – a juniors group for 8-18 year-olds in the morning when he will be replicating a scene and song from a show – and an adults group (for over 18s) in the afternoon when he will be teaching a song from a show.”
“In addition to the workshop there will be a Q&A session with him and photo opportunities.”
As well as being a West End star of ‘Starlight Express,’ ‘Rent,’ ‘Grease’ and ‘Miss Saigon’, John is best known for playing the part of Christian Clarke (Jane’s brother) in EastEnders, which he joined in 2008.
John has worked extensively as a singer and dancer in musical theatre and is best known as the ‘Rum Tum Tugger’ in Andrew LLoyd Webber’s musical ‘Cats’ to which he toured all over Europe and ended up as playing the role in the official DVD film of ‘Cats.’ In addition to this role he also played the main roles of ‘Mr. Mistoffelees,’ ‘Alonzo,’ ‘Munkustrap’ and ‘The Rumpus Cat.’
He started out at the Royal Ballet School and went onto train at the Bush Davies School of Performing Arts School, followed by the Doreen Bird School of Performing Arts. After EastEnders in 2010 John, together with Sheila Hancock and Charlotte Church, was one of the judges for the new ‘Andrew LLoyd Webbers’ TV show ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’.
In 2014 he appeared as himself on the BBC’s show ‘Tumble,’ and has more recently appeared in 2014 and 2015 episodes of EastEnders for the funeral of ‘Lucy Beale’ as well celebrating their recent live 30th birthday episode. John is an active and strong supporter of the Alzheimer’s Society and in 2013 helped launch the Memory Walks in aid of his mother.
If you like performing or singing and would like to take part in either of the workshops, then contact Siobhan Johnson on 01278 751115 or 07855 642 641. Spaces are limited.
Pictured: John Partridge in two of his performances