Express & Star

Walsall teenager wins leading role in Spring Awakening

A Walsall teenager has landed the lead male role in a musical production being staged in Lichfield.

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Joseph Riley and Hattie Rumsey in Spring Awakening

Joseph Riley, from Pelsall, will play Menchoir Gabor in a production of the Tony Award-winning musical Spring Awakening.

The musical is being staged by Let Me In arts company at St Mary's in Market Square between August 7 and August 10.

Chris Buckle, producer and performer, said: "It is a musical that breaks boundaries, transcends genre and conveys the human struggle so astutely.

“We feel incredibly lucky to be working with Joe, and at only 18, his theatre credits are already equally impressive as they are extensive. Highlights include the role of Roger in Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre’s RENT, Warner in Legally Blonde and a run to the final of MTAS' esteemed talent competition earlier this year.

“Joe is set to move to London in September to begin his three-year Musical Theatre course at Trinity Laban. We wish him all the best for this success in the future and feel incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to work with him on Spring Awakening.”

Spring Awakening is set in Germany in 1891, and is a celebration of rebellion following a group of late 19th century German students on their passage as they navigate teenage self-discovery and coming of age anxiety in a powerful celebration of youth and rebellion.

For tickets, visit www.letmeinpresents.co.uk or www.stmaryslichfield.co.uk. Alternatively, call the St Mary's box office on 01543 41474.