Rising Leeds stars to join West End marvel Marisha Wallace on stage in city

The sensational star of such smash-hit shows as Dreamgirls, Waitress, Aladdin, The Book of Mormon - and very soon Hairspray - will play a series of sensational live shows throughout March.

And now students from the Leeds-based Stagebox musical theatre programme will take to the stage with Marisha when she plays Leeds City Varieties on Monday, March 16.

They will join the West End star for an unmissable rendition of This Is Me from the blockbuster movie The Greatest Showman.

Jasmine Quinlan-Gardner, general manager at Stagebox, said: “We are delighted to be joining Marisha in Leeds having recently performed alongside her at Cadogan Hall in London back in October.

“It is a real privilege to be invited to perform with such a huge talent and we couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity. The children are so inspired by Marisha and thrilled to perform."

Marisha is currently winning rave reviews in the West End smash hit Waitress and will soon play the iconic role of Motormouth Maybelle in the eagerly awaited West End return of Hairspray, alongside Michael Ball.

Before then though, Marisha cannot wait for her debut UK tour and to perform alongside young singers from Yorkshire.

Marisha said: “I am so happy that young performers from Stagebox are joining me on stage for my Leeds date.

“This is my first ever headline theatre tour and I really want to make these shows unique and extra special. I cannot think of a better way to do that than to be joined on stage by such super-talented local performers.

“These shows are going to be amazing - my advice is to get your tickets now!”

Inspired by the likes of the late, great Aretha Franklin, Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald, Marisha’s voice will pull you from your seat and to your feet. She effortlessly infuses jazz, gospel and R&B with a healthy dose of soul that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.

On Broadway, she has starred in shows including Disney's Aladdin, The Book of Mormon and Something Rotten and then here, in the UK, as Effie White in the stellar West End hit Dreamgirls.