TAP shoes are being buffed and vocal chords warmed up ahead of the Gloucestershire Star Talent Competition on Friday, November 20.

The event, held at Cheltenham Town Hall, pitches ten county entertainers and business people against other to raise money for the National Star charity.

Many of the show’s contestants have learned new skills and even the ones used to performing are stepping outside of their comfort zone to do something new on the night.

Tailor Tom Wharton learned to juggle knives and spin plates while restaurant owner Helen Howe takes on the iconic Dirty Dancing routine, and a team from Gloucester’s Colour Connection will perform a street dance pop number.

Over Farm’s Matt Keene slips into the flat cap of his comedic alter ego Gunther Farmer as GE Aviation’s Jonathan Walton sings a self-penned song under the name Nate Starsky.

Nursery school owner Miles Guerrini is clowning around while dance school owner Corraine Collins brings the magic.

Businesswomen Kathryn Green, from TTC Global Group teams up with TSB’s Carolyn Stone to combine tap with rap whilst Verity Smith, from Veritas PPM Ltd shares her passion for singing.

David Crompton, National Star’s head of corporate services, takes to the stage with his wife Carolyn to perform a duet from Phantom of the Opera.

All the acts will be scrutinised and scored by four judges; designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, National Star’s patron The Countess Bathurst, circus performer Tweedy and TV broadcaster Jill Douglas, who is looking forward to seeing how everyone shapes up.

“My kids watch The X-Factor so they’re very excited about me being a judge”, said Jill. “But apart from when my friends have been on Strictly I don’t watch talent shows so I don’t know what to expect. I’m sure it will be great fun.”

The acts have been mentored by Gloucestershire entertainers including Cirencester magician Alex Robertson, Twekesbury comedian Jon Wagstaffe, dancer Tom Goodall and stilt-wearing juggler Thomas Trilby.

The money raised from the competition will help National Star support people with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.

Jill commented: “I’ve been blown away by what National Star do. It’s an amazing facility doing amazing work that is life changing for the students and their families.”

  • Gloucestershire’s Star Talent is at Cheltenham Town Hall on Friday, November 20 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £20 and £25 available from the box office on 08445 672210. For more details visit glosstartalent.org.uk