42nd Street holds 'cut throat' open auditions as toe-tapping hopefuls queue up to join chorus line

Scores of young hopefuls braved the rain and queued for hours when tap-dancing spectacular 42nd Street held open auditions.

The hit West End musical at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, was casting up to 56 performers for its second year. Hopefuls were given minutes to learn a routine from the opening number before performing in front of choreographer Simon Adkins and his team during yesterday’s “cut throat” process.

The show about an actress who gets her chance at stardom when a leading lady is injured is among several Broadway productions including The Book Of Mormon, An American In Paris and Lazarus to have set up home in the West End.

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For Your Eyes Only singer Sheena Easton stars in 42nd Street, which features iconic songs We’re In The Money and Lullaby Of Broadway.

Explaining the decision to hold an open casting, Adkins said: “It’s an opportunity for us to see people who don’t have the representation of an agent or can’t get seen for a private audition because they don’t have the experience.

“Tap is so specific, so it’s very interesting to hold an open audition because you can find some hidden gems. Even if we find just one amazing person and cast them it’s definitely worth it. Fingers crossed we’ll find a lot more.”

He said of 42nd Street: “The great thing about our show is the fact that when you leave the theatre it’s a feel good uplifting show. What’s been great since we’ve opened is the time is right for this show. It’s not complicated, you come in and enjoy and get entertained. It’s rags to riches and glitz and glamour and has more sequins than Strictly Come Dancing.”

Sydney Rose Lawson, 22

“I’m a tapper — I’ve been doing it since I was three with my granddad everywhere around the house, so this is my type of musical. It’s an open audition which is so rare for a West End show. I’ve never performed in one because you always get to the end and annoyingly don’t get the break. For me it’s chilled — not one of the freaking-out auditions. I love 42nd Street — but Chicago is my dream, if it ever came back.”

Grant Jackson, 24

“I’m originally from Hull but I live in north London. I don’t know what to expect and we’ve heard different stories about what it’s like inside. This is my fourth or fifth audition for a West End show. It’s such an iconic musical and people want to see a different take on it in London. I’ve been dancing since I was 13 years old and when I saw what doors could open I started to enjoy it more. The goal is to be in the West End, so here’s hoping.”

Clea Godsill, 18

“It’s my first audition for a West End show and I’m very nervous, but quite excited. I was shocked at the amount of people here. I absolutely love the musical. Broadway shows are different, they’re always very big showbizzy-type musicals.”

Simone Kite, 23

“I’m from Australia — I moved here eight weeks ago to audition for this. The second day I came I watched the show. I’m feeling confident and nervous. You get 30 seconds and if you make a mistake they can cut you. There are no second chances so it’s scary.”