STOURBRIDGE students Josh Warner and Emma Farthing are both set to appear in lead ensemble roles in a brand-new West End-style musical Chasing Fate, which premieres at Birmingham Hippodrome next week.

Borough based charity Leaps & Bounds, which works with young people considered to be ‘at risk’, is behind the production - directed by top theatre director Christopher Key and starring award-winning actor David Bedella (aka Dr Carlos Fashola on TV’s Holby City).

Josh, aged 17, and 16-year-old Emma cannot wait to take to the stage in the show - and both are now fancying theatrical careers for themselves.

Glasshouse College student Josh suffers from ADHD and Aspergers and found it hard to concentrate on his studies before getting involved with Leaps & Bounds.

He found it even harder to learn his lines and take stage directions, but when he discovered dancing he knew he’d found his passion.

The light-footed teen now aims to complete his college course in agriculture, but has his sights set on becoming the next Michael Flatley.

He said: “I love street dancing and hip hop mainly, but me and my mum have the Riverdance DVDs and we watch them together and I know I would be really great at that.”

Emma had been suffering from Social Anxiety Disorder and had not attended school properly for almost two years, being taught mainly from home.

But the company discovered her through her singing teacher at Redhill and she has not looked back since.

She is now studying at Halesowen College for a diploma in theatre and media make-up and dreams of taking Brushstroke studio make-up training in London.

She said: “I have so much confidence now. I have new friends and I love coming here and rehearsing with everyone, I never thought I could be like this.”

Chasing Fate runs at the Birmingham Hippodrome on Friday October 17 at 7.30pm and at 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday October 18.

Tickets, priced £10 to £15, are available from www.birminghamhippodrome.com or on 0844 3385000.