THE producers of a revival of Godspell are holding auditions in Bradford as part of a nationwide search for choirs to appear in the show.

Godspell - In Concert, running at St George’s Hall next June, features a West End cast led by musical director Russell Scott.

Choirs from around the country are being given the opportunity to take part in the production, and each choir chosen will be coached for their moment in the spotlight.

Choirs will sing some of the most popular songs from the show, accompanied by the Godspell - In Concert band. Producers are looking for mixed-voice Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass choirs with a good musical and performance standard, and choir members must be a minimum of 16-years-old.

Choirs at each venue will be comprised of 28 singers. Half the choir will be static and the other half will ‘move’ (not dance), directed by a choreographer. Four West End performers will make each choir’s number up to 32 and either one or two choirs will be cast for each venue.

Each choir will be tutored by musical director Russell Scott who has worked in the music industry, professionally, for more than 30 years, in classical and musical theatre. As well as being an accomplished singer, he is also a vocal coach, producer and musical and choral director. He has performed all over the world, as a soloist with leading choirs and orchestras, and with more than 100,000 record sales across his four solo albums, he has also appeared on film soundtracks, opera, pop and musical theatre recordings.

Russell is chorus director of Next Stage Choir and works regularly with choirs and ensembles.

He said: "The great thing about singing is it makes people feel good and can change your mood in an instant. I am so thrilled choirs have been brought more into the public domain in recent years; choirs are for everyone and I'm passionate about working with them and bringing out their best.

"I wanted to bring a choral element to Godspell and so reworked the score which is essentially written for 10 principles. I re-orchestrated the ensemble parts to encompass a choir and the result

sounded incredible, bringing out the true soul of the piece. There are some great songs to sing and

the addition of a choir just makes the sound even more exciting to listen to."

He added: "My vision was to take Godspell - In Concert on the road and cast choirs from around the country to take part. Godspell was conceived as a community piece - what better idea than to bring

communities together to sing in a professional UK touring production? It’s never been done before, I'm thrilled to be undertaking this huge challenge to bring choirs together with our touring

professionals and to give opportunities to singers all across the UK to take part in this unique production.”

Choirs can apply online at godspellinconcert.com. The closing date for applications is Friday, January 9 and after this date shortlisted choirs will be invited to one of six regional auditions.

Godspell, a timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love, has enjoyed a recent hit run on Broadway. The UK tour features a new, modern-day rock score packed with favourites such as Light of the World, All Good Gifts and Day by Day.

Prior to the gala earlier this year at the Lyric Theatre the show last played the West End in 1972 at the Wyndham’s Theatre, where it turned David Essex into an overnight sensation.

* Godspell - In Concert is at St George’s Hall on June 20 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets are on (01274) 432000.