Stars return home for one-off performance at Creative Seed Theatre

Brooke Havana Bailey, originally from Cleadon, will perform in the North East for the first time as the star of Burlesque’d, showing at Creative Seed Theatre on Saturday, November 23.

Since moving to London to study the Italia Conti at the age of 19, Brooke has appeared in a range of TV and film roles and tread the boards in musicals such as Mad on Her.

However, her big break came at the age of 9, when she first left South Tyneside for a role in the original cast of Billy Elliot, which she toured with for two years before returning home.

Now for one-night-only Brooke will perform in South Shields - alongside fellow South Tynesider, Benjamin Michael Smith of Boldon - as the show visits St Hilda's Pit Head as part of its UK Fringe Tour.

“It’s really special to be going back to my hometown,” said the 24-year-old, who is looking forward to catching up with family and friends while she’s home.

“It’s exciting that my friends and family here will be able to come and see it.”

Brooke will star as lead Crystal Lake, who takes on Hollywood and the underground world of the Sunset Lounge, in the production which fuses musical theatre with the mystery of cirque.

It’s a role she can very much relate to, she said: “It’s about strong, independent women and the message that you can do whatever you want to do if you’ve got the passion and dreams.

“In this profession, it’s such a tough industry to be part of but it’s your dreams that keep you going. When you get on the stage you remember why you love it so much.”

She added: “It’s a real feel good show with a lot of songs that people will know. I’m so excited for everyone to see it.”

Burlesque'd is showing at the Creative Seed Theatre, St Hilda’s Pit Head, South Shields on Saturday, November 23 at 8pm. Tickets can be bought via the BurlesqueD - A Stage Spectacular Facebook page.