Trafford brothers in regional finals of Open Mic UK (From Messenger Newspapers)

Trafford brothers in regional finals of signing competition, Open Mic UK

12:02pm Thursday 6th September 2012 in News By Kate Banks, Reporter

TWO teenage brothers from Trafford have overcome adversity to get through to the regional finals of prestigious singing competition, Open Mic UK.

Alex Ravencroft, 16, of Partington, and Ben Davies, 14, of Stretford, are both in foster care and have always dreamed of careers in music.
 

Therefore performing in the semi-finals at the Royal Northern College of Music Theatre next month will bring them one step closer to their ambitions.
 

The boys’ mother, Claire Davies, said: “My children are in foster care, but they’ve come a long way because of that.
 

“This just proves children in care can succeed in what they want to do.
“They’ve been through so much so they really deserve this.”
 

Over 8,000 people auditioned for the competition, which was won by acclaimed artist, Birdy, in 2008 and offers thousands of pounds worth of prizes to the overall winner and runners up.

Alex, who began a musical theatre course at Pendleton Sixth Form College this week, said: “Getting through to the first round is great because it’s such an amazing opportunity.
 

“If we get through we’ll get to perform in at the O2 Arena which would be unbelievable.”

Industry insiders and record label representatives will be present at the grand final at the O2 in January, which would give Alex and Ben a great opportunity to get spotted should they get through.
 

“I’d love to work in musical theatre or within music, it’s the only thing I can do,” Alex joked.
 

Alex and Ben will perform regional finals at the Royal Northern College of Music Theatre, Manchester city centre, on October 14.
 

Tickets are £8, visit rncm.ac.uk or openmicuk.co.uk/singing-opportunities for more information.