Caitlyn Vanbeck sings at fundraiser for new company

X FACTOR starlet Caitlyn Vanbeck is just one of the faces you might recognise if you head along to B2 Production's fund-raising concerts at St Serf's Church Centre, Clark Road, on Friday and Saturday. Gus Harrower, winner of Scotland Rocks is another.

Caitlyn Vanbeck: Picture Ian Georgeson

B2 Productions is a spin-off company from the Capital’s long-running and award-winning Forth Children’s Theatre and will feature the most recent group of FCT leavers (from their recent production of Jesus Christ Superstar) and welcome new members up to the age of 25.

Started up by Claire Stewart and Kerry-Anne Dougan, long-term director/musical director of FCT, the company aims to push the darker side of theatre with an array of exciting and challenging productions.

Explaining what inspired her to want to explore more work with more of an edge, Stewart says, “Kerry-Anne and myself have been keen to do so since putting on Jekyll and Hyde with FCT in 2008.

“We also produced Jesus Christ Superstar with FCT this summer and again were drawn to the dark undertones of the piece.

“We would love to look at productions such as Cabaret, Parade and may occasionally put on something completely contrasting to mix it up a little.”

First though, the company intend to host a series of fund-raisers, starting this week. The first concerts will include a programme of songs from some well known musicals such as Avenue Q, Jersey Boys, Rent, as well as classics numbers from Les Miserables, performed by original cast members from the FCT production. Vanbeck will perform on the Friday only.

“The company is open to anyone under 25 but the main body of it is made up of ex-FCT members at the moment,” adds Stewart. “We are keen to develop it and would love to hear from anyone in this age bracket who has a passion and talent for theatre.”

Tickets costing £10 (concessions £9) can be ordered in advance through [email protected]