Carlisle Collabro superstar Matt Pagan is to share the limelight with youngsters from his home city who hope to follow in his footsteps.

His group – propelled to stardom after winning Britain's Got Talent in 2014 - has announced a one-night show at the city's Sands Centre in November and students from the StagedRight music theatre school are to sing with the stars on stage.

A former member of StagedRight, 24-year-old Matt has always enthusiastically acknowledged the vital role that it played in helping to nurture his talent.

The school is run by David and Sallie McNeill.

“Students will get the chance to perform two numbers with Collabro,” said David.

“We're going to have 32 students performing as a choir alongside them,
Matthew Pagan performing as part of the StagedRight 10th Anniversary Concert in 2014 all of them of secondary school age because that's what the group's musical director wants.

“It's an absolutely brilliant opportunity which as created a real buzz among our students.”

David explained that in other parts of the country local theatre groups were invited to take part in a competition in order to win the right to perform alongside the group.

But Matt had specifically asked that the Carlisle theatre school he belonged to for four years should have that honour.

The songs to be performed have yet to be chosen, but StagedRight students are thrilled that the decision has been made.

"It's just wonderful that they will have this chance," said David.

"They'll get to do a sound check with the group, meet and greet them, and rehearse and perform.
David McNeill

“Matt has never forgotten his roots and where he came from.

“While he was at home in the summer he came to our studio [at Shaddon Mill] and joined me for three or four days, doing painting and joinery work. He wanted to put something back to StagedRight.

“He was always wonderful with harmonies, and a great team player. He always got on really well with our team. Most students leave us when they're 18 but because of the way his birthday fell he stayed longer.

“He's a genuinely nice guy, who just loves singing.”

To find out more about StagedRight, log on to www.stagedright.co.uk.

Matt hit the headlines last week when he reported on Facebook being assaulted during a night out in Carlisle. It happened as he was enjoying a night out in Botchergate with friends. Dozens of people left him messages of support.

The Collabro concert is scheduled for November 23.