The talent team behind Peaky Blinders, Sex Education and Frozen the Musical are looking for up-and-coming young performers to join their team.
Leeds' young performers can audition for one of the UK's most exciting entertainment training programme.
On Saturday 9 April, Stagebox, a leading theatre, TV and film training and talent management programme will be auditioning children between the ages of eight and eighteen.
The free auditions will take place at Leeds Northern Ballet and where the Stagebox team will be offering successful members the chance to benefit from world class training and opportunities in a contemporary supercharged industry accelerator for musical theatre, television and film.
Image: Stagebox
Many young performers training at Stagebox have already landed dream roles on stage and screen, thanks to the expert training and management.
Talent alumni from the company have continued their careers and secured major lead talent screen roles in Oscar nominated and Emmy award winning productions, including Peaky Blinders (Netflix), Sex Education (Netflix), Robin Robin (Netflix), Ted Lasso (Apple TV+), Avenue 5 (HBO), The Power (Amazon Studios), Pistol (Disney +), BAFTA anthology Superdad (Channel 4), Gentleman Jack (Netflix/HBO), Lagging (BBC) and many more.
Clients also continue to star in West End and UK Tour musicals including Frozen, Matilda the Musical, School of Rock, Annie, The Grinch, Mary Poppins, Tina the Musical and more.
Image: Stagebox
Amongst those that have found fame with Stagebox is Orla McDonagh, who played Ruby Shelby in the BBC's smash-hit TV programme, Peaky Blinders. Stagebox said: "Orla has been on set for Series 6 for this iconic television series all summer and we cannot wait to see her bring this incredible character to life. We are so proud of you Orla on yet another screen smash for you."
Amira Macey Michael is another Stagebox alumni that landed a life-changing role with the company. Amira recently starred in Netflix lead-billing role in Robin Robin alongside Golden Globe Winner Gillian Anderson, Oscar nominee Richard E Grant and Bronte Carmichael. Stagebox said "Amira has had a whirlwind of a year and has just finished filming a series regular lead for BBC."
Amira Macey Michael. / Image: Stagebox
To further the opportunities for young rising stars, Stagebox Management has also brokered agency partnerships stateside, working alongside Innovative Artists, Paradigm Talent, Luber Roklin Entertainment, Gravity Hill, KMR, Maverick and more.
Simply put, if your child is dreaming of a career in the performing arts industry, this is a rare opportunity that's well worth taking advantage of.
Image: Stagebox
Commenting on the upcoming 2022 auditions, General Manager, Jasmine Quinlan Gardner, said: “We are so excited to begin our nationwide search for the stars of today and tomorrow. We are proud of our inclusive, diverse and extraordinarily talented community and we can’t wait to meet those who will join us on the journey.”
Head Agent, Kirsti Bagger, adds: “The training is second to none, preparing our young stars for careers on the stage and screen. 2021 was one of our most successful years ever with Stagebox Management clients wrapping on global award-winning feature films and television series and critically acclaimed theatre productions.
"We’re committed to making auditions for Stagebox free as part of our ongoing dedication to inclusivity in the arts. We only open for auditions once a year, and we’re excited to see our 2022 auditionees' incredible new talent!”
A much-loved Leeds cafe and brunch favourite has announced a major expansion, with bags more seating both inside and out.
Independent cafe Olive & Rye has announced that it's expanding into the unit next door in the beautiful Queens Arcade.
The local brunch spot has already started work on the neighbouring unit and is set to be back up and running in just a few weeks.
It's great news for the arcade, which is already home to businesses like Pop Boutique and Art & Soul, as well as Olive & Rye's sister business, the authentic little Thai cafe, Olive & Thai.
The cafe has a seasonal menu, so there's always a new special to try, as well as a core menu of classic brunch favourites like homemade granola, eggs on sourdough, and pancakes.
They're also famed for their huge full breakfasts, which feature items like crispy pork belly, homemade beans, black pudding, and hash browns.
Announcing the news yesterday, Olive & Rye said: "It’s finally official !!!
"We’re expanding into the unit next door. We so excited for a bigger dining area and kitchen. That means we will have more inside and outside spots for brunch
"We will be closed on February 3rd & 4th for construction, but back up and running on the 5th."
Popular holiday company launches new ‘Beckham Clause’ for feuding families
Emily Sergeant
A popular package holiday company has launched a new ‘Beckham Clause’ to help protect feuding families.
It's official… family fallouts are now holiday-proof, thanks to a new ‘Beckham Clause’ that’s been launched by a Manchester-based travel company On The Beach in the wake of the ongoing – and at this point, inescapable – Beckham family feud.
In case you need bringing up to speed, then allow us to (briefly) sum up the Beckham family drama for you as best as possible.
Basically, at the centre of this discourse the eldest Beckham child, Brooklyn, his wife Nicola Peltz, and primarily his mum Victoria, although as the months have gone on, it appears there’s no member of the Beckham family that isn’t somewhat involved (okay, maybe not Harper… well at least not publicly, anyway).
Image: Natalya Zaritskaya (via Unsplash)
Earlier this month, it was reported that Brooklyn had become estranged from his family, and had told his parents to contact him only through lawyers.
And then yesterday, of course, Brooklyn publicly spoke out about the accusations on his Instagram Stories for the first time ever… and all hell broke loose in the celebrity news world.
On the Beach’s new clause – officially titled the Family Fallout Refund, and already nicknamed the ‘Beckham Clause’ by bosses – aims to give holidaymakers peace of mind that no matter how messy things get at home, their getaway won’t suffer, as it applies to family holidays where one member suddenly drops out due to a feud, argument, or full-blown emotional meltdown.
Under the new policy, if a family member pulls out before departure, their share of the hotel booking will be refunded rather than leaving the rest of the group to foot the bill.
Family fallouts aren’t just limited to celebrities, every year hundreds of holiday bookings need amending due to feuds, On The Beach said, which is why it’s chosen to launch the new refund scheme.
“We love family holidays, but we’re also very aware that family fallouts cam hamper plans,” explained Zoe Harris, who is the Chief Customer Officer at On the Beach.
“The ‘Beckham Clause’ is there for those moments when someone decides they’d rather cool off at home than by the pool.
“Our new perk means that if a family feud takes place and one person drops out, the rest of the group can still head off, relax, and enjoy the holiday they were looking forward to.”
The Family Fallout Refund is available on family holidays with five or more people, and needs to be claimed at least 60 days before departure.
It applies to new and existing bookings departing on or before 31 August 2026.
Sophie Smith -
15th March 2022 
