A WEST End star-of-the-future will sing on a London stage with the chance to win the audience s vote and a top prize in a new talent contest due to be shown on Channel 4. Saffron Walden singer Amy Castledine has beaten hundreds of hopefuls to appear in th

A WEST End star-of-the-future will sing on a London stage with the chance to win the audience's vote and a top prize in a new talent contest due to be shown on Channel 4.

Saffron Walden singer Amy Castledine has beaten hundreds of hopefuls to appear in the musical theatre competition The Voice of Tomorrow being held at the Bloomsbury Theatre from May 28 to 30.

"It's fantastic that I've been picked for the final," said Amy. "I first auditioned back in November and I made it through to the final 100.

"Then at the end of January there was a three-day workshop held at the Channel 4 studios to test our acting, singing and dancing skills.

"After each day a cut was made, until the final cast was decided. This is an amazing opportunity for me to be seen by some very influential people - it's very exciting!"

Amy will perform a selection of songs live in front of a packed theatre as well as a panel of three judges including a well respected director, voice coach and choreographer.

The judges will select the top three performances each night and then the audience will vote on their keypads for their favourite. The grand final will be held on May Saturday 28 and the winner will be signed up to a top West End Agency.

Other prizes include the chance to record an album which will be sold in the Dress Circle, Covent Garden.

After appearing at the London Palladium last year, 24-year-old Amy is hoping the experience has given her a head start in the competition. "It's given me a bit of experience about how to project my voice to a large audience, but it's still a bit nerve-wrecking," she said.

Each of the 12 soloists will perform songs from musical theatre as a solo and a duet and there will also be a performance from a 20-strong ensemble.

A documentary of the competition will be screened on Channel 4 sometime after the event.

Tickets for The Voice of Tomorrow are priced at �32.50 or �30 for concessions. To book call the Bloomsbury Theatre's box office on 02073 888822. For more information visit www.voiceoftomorrow.com