Our Dorothy back on stage

TEESSIDES very own starlet will be making people over the moon this weekend when she takes to the stage at a charity concert.

Jessica Robinson, who reached the final five in BBC One's Over the Rainbow, will appear in Showstoppers, at Middlesbrough Theatre on Sunday, June 6, from 7.15pm, a concert in aid of the Holistic Cancer Care Centre at James Cook University Hospital.

Jessica, who captivated viewers and the attention of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber with her performances and quirky personality, will be treating the audience of the concert to one of her most successful song and dance routines from the TV programme.

Since leaving the show, Jessica has been busy but is making time to support the charity that cares for cancer patients.

Jessica, who is spending time at her Normanby home before moving to London for drama school ArtsEd, said: I am delighted to be taking part in Showstoppers where I will be performing one number. It is for such a great cause.

Also starring in the concert is Good Night Sweetheart, Boon and Casualty actress Liz Carling, along with other talented local performers including Ken Horsley, Simon Dale, Allan Iveson, Sally Emmerson and a chorus of young dancers and singers.

Lynne Gray, deputy manager at the Holistic Cancer care Centre, said: We would like to thank Jessica and everyone taking part in the show. We are certain the event will be an outstanding success.

The show is to be hosted by BBC Tees presenters, Colin Bunyan and Alex Hall.

Tickets are s10 from 01642 815181.

'Dorothy' star is becoming a bit of a Wildcat

OVER The Rainbow TV star Jessica Robinson is teaming up with a local band for a summer music festival.

The Middlesbrough teenager will perform with The Wildcats of Kilkenny at Middlesbrough Music Live next week.

They will perform The Pogues album Rum, Sodomy And The Lash.

The Wildcats of Kilkenny frontman Mike McGrother said:

"The Pogues are one of the greatest bands ever - obviously a big influence for us - and we've always fancied going the whole hog and playing one of their albums in its entirety, from start to finish, top to bottom.

"We already have a bunch of guest musicians on banjo, tin whistle, mandolin and sax, and Jessica will be the final piece in the puzzle."


Jessica came fifth in the search to star as Dorothy in Over The Rainbow in the West End.

She said: "I was chuffed to bits when Mike got in touch.

It's the first time I'll have sung something by The Pogues live on stage, so I'm really looking forward to it.

"I'm a big fan of Music Live.

I've been for the past few years and I always look forward to the amazing atmosphere there.

"I go with a big group of friends, and we always seem to catch up with people we've not seen for ages. It's like a massive reunion."

Thousands are expected to attend Middlesbrough Music Live on Sunday, June 6. For details, go to middlesbroughmusiclive.co.uk