Join the choir for Jerry Springer the Opera

After a gap of 15 years the award-winning and controversial Jerry Springer – The Opera is coming back to Manchester and in true reality TV style – you could be part of the show.

Singers across Manchester are being invited to audition for a part in the Jerry choir. As part of the choir you will perform live alongside a cast of 14 professional actors.

Based on The Jerry Springer Show, it tells the story of America’s favourite TV talk show host who suffers the worst day in his career when faced with some of the most challenging guests he’s ever met on set.

The musical, last seen in Manchester during a UK tour in 2006, is being staged by new north-west based production company, Northern Ricochet formed by James Baker (Parade, Yank), Tom Chester (Parade, Mamma Mia) and Bill Elms (Epstein The Man Who Made The Beatles, Twopence To Cross The Mersey).

Northern Ricochet was recently formed by the trio having originally met in 2016, when working together on the hit musical Parade at Hope Mill Theatre. Having struck a bond, they created a company to celebrate and aspire to passionately produce quality theatre in the north, for the north and using northern creatives, actors and voices.

During its original run in 2002, Jerry Springer – The Opera made theatre history by receiving an unprecedented four awards for Best Musical at The Olivier Awards, The Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards, The Evening Standard Theatre Awards, and The What’s On Stage Awards.

For the choir audition, you are required to prepare two songs of contrasting style, ideally one that suits the style and tone of the show and allows for you to show your ability to act through song – no longer than one minute per song. To audition you will need to take accompanying sheet music.

If successful, you’ll be invited to a group workshop at a later date. You’ll also need to commit to rehearsals every Sunday from 12 May to early August; technical rehearsals; and three to four shows per week during the show’s four-week run.

Director James Baker says: “It’s extremely exciting to be looking for Northern talent who will form our Jerry Choir. Whether you have a lust for the stage and never had your chance; a resting pro-performer; a keen player in the amateur circuit; or a graduate needing some exposure; then we want to hear from you.

“Theatre is about the people you make it for – our audiences. It’s so important that we reach out to individuals who want to engage with theatre in a professional context. Jerry Springer is a boldly drawn reflection of our society. It’s a brave show that asks important questions about people and places. It’s so important that we give our theatrical landscape, our city of Manchester, and the people who live in here an opportunity to work with theatre and art on a first-hand basis. This is a fantastic opportunity. All ages, race, gender and sexuality are welcome to join us on this incredible journey.”

Casting day for the Jerry Choir is Sunday 24 March 2019 in Manchester city centre. Places in the Jerry Choir are voluntary. Singers wishing to audition are asked to pre-register by emailing jerryspringerchoir@gmail.com

JERRY SPRINGER – THE OPERA is at Hope Mill Theatre from 8 – 31 August 2019. Visit website for details.