Making waves (and noise) for the next generation
Joe McElderry trails the return of a fundraiser designed to help support young performers from the North East
After a near sell-out debut last year, performer Joe McElderry is bringing concert fundraiser, Something in the Water back to Newcastle Theatre Royal this summer.
And this time, the ambition is stretching beyond the stage.
Returning on Sunday, June 28 with both matinee and evening performances, the cabaret-style show - once again powered by funk-soul juggernaut, Groovetrain - will be trumpeting the region’s talent while also raising much-needed funds to support the up-and-coming cohort of North East performers.
“Something in the Water is all about celebrating where we come from and giving something back,” says Joe, who has become part of the Theatre Royal family since joining the regular cast list for the ever-popular pantomime in 2021.
“The North East has incredible talent, and it’s so important we create opportunities for young people to explore that.”
That balance of celebration and opportunity sits at the big heart of the event, which last year saw the likes of Rosie Ramsey, Danny Adams, Lorraine Crosby and Steph McGovern take to the stage.
While audiences can expect another lively mix of live music, comedy and musical theatre bangers (more of the 2026 line-up shortly), the project’s deeper aim is to support the next generation - not just through fundraising, but also offering direct access to the industry.
“I had this idea years ago, but I kind of felt a little bit too young to bring it to fruition,” explains Joe. “As I got more experience, I built up the confidence to not just think about getting something like this together - but to actually do it.”
What began as a one-off fundraiser organised with owner of Newcastle venue Pilgrim (and lead singer of Groovetrain) Michael Lavery, has quickly evolved. Backed by the Theatre Royal, the event now looks set to grow into an annual platform. And there won’t be any arguments from Joe.
“We were fortunate enough to virtually sell out both shows last year,” he says. “There’s definitely an appetite there for it… as long as I can keep doing it, it’s really nice to be part of something that’s platforming the amazing talent we have up in the North East.”
To be clear, while Joe will absolutely be belting out some tracks in his signature fashion, he very much sees his role in proceedings as a singing conduit (I’m paraphrasing).
“I want to welcome people on and allow people to take the torch of the show,” he says. “It’s about showcasing other people.”
The confirmed line-up so far for the 2026 concerts includes Joe’s Theatre Royal panto co-star, Danny Adams, as well as Hairy Biker (and drummer) Si King, comedian Jason Cook, Drag Race UK performer Michael Marouli and West End stars Adam Strong, Christina Bianco and Carly Burns. Further guests are still to be announced too.
“I couldn’t be happier with the line-up,” says Joe, “and I’m really grateful to everyone for giving their time for free. It means a lot.”
New for Something in the Water’s 2026 activity is a dedicated Industry Day, designed to give emerging performers a clearer route into the creative industries.
Taking place on May 19, the initiative will bring young people together with industry professionals for advice, mentoring and the chance to perform on the Theatre Royal stage - with at least one participant invited to join the final line-up.
“It’s sometimes just having the opportunity to be in one of those rooms,” Joe explains. “Somebody goes, ‘they’re great,’ and then you’re onto that path.”
The idea has been partly inspired by Joe’s own experience of entering the industry through winning TV talent show, The X Factor in 2009. Mentored by fellow North Easterner and Girls Aloud singer, Cheryl Tweedy, the series offered him a platform that accelerated his career literally overnight.
“Having that kind of platform obviously gives you a massive shortcut,” he reflects. “People work 15, 20 years to get that kind of exposure.
“But also, historically, people have had to move away from the region in order to get those opportunities. And that can be a huge issue. The thought of just getting on a train and moving to London… where do you begin?” he says.
“There are so many barriers… so we’re trying to create something that gives people a chance here.”
The money raised from Something in the Water will be split 50/50. One half will go to the Theatre Royal’s Creative Engagement programme, including bursaries for young people to attend the Theatre Royal Youth Theatre and Project A, its year-long actor training course.
The other half will be donated to NEMO (North East Music Opportunities CIC), enabling the organisation to continue delivering inclusive, community-led music-making opportunities across the region.
Kim Hoffman, director of creative development at Newcastle Theatre Royal, says: “We’re delighted to present Something in the Water once again. It’s a brilliant showcase of regional talent, but crucially the funds raised help us provide bursaries that open doors for young people to take part.
“Through our Youth Theatre, participants build confidence, wellbeing and performance skills, while Project A provides progression routes to equip young people with the professional experience and industry-ready skills needed to move forward. Working with partners like NEMO strengthens our shared commitment to access and opportunity in the arts.”
For Joe, who remains based in the North East, the project fits nicely into a wider commitment to keeping creative work rooted locally wherever he can.
Following last year’s successful stints in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Aladdin at the Theatre Royal Joe has also been back in the studio working on new material for his first release in several years.
“I hadn’t written for ages,” he says. “And then I had this really overwhelming feeling to just get in the recording studio.”
The result is a new single, Love Me Out Loud, due for release in June.
“It’s pop, disco… what I’m calling heartbreak disco,” he says. “It feels really fresh and exciting… and it has been written up here, recorded here, mixed and mastered here. Everything has been done within 10 miles of Newcastle.
“I can’t wait for people to hear it.”
Sounds like perfect fodder for a fundraising concert encore to me.
Tickets for Something in the Water at Newcastle Theatre Royal can be booked via the website at theatreroyal.co.uk or by calling the box office on 0191 232 7010.
Applications are still open to take part in the Industry Day on May 19. Applicants should email talent@theatreroyal.co.uk with a brief personal artist biography; a video/self-tape of them performing; links to work if available; and performance requirements (if applicable).