COLEFORD-born West End star Emma Hatton is set to join a festive concert bringing performers from some of London's biggest musicals to Gloucestershire this Christmas.

The singer and actress, best known for playing Elphaba in Wicked and Eva Peron in Evita, has been named among the artists appearing at A West End Christmas in Stroud.

The concert will take place at St Laurence Church on Sunday, December 20, bringing together five professional musical theatre performers for an evening of seasonal favourites and songs from the stage.

Hatton, who grew up in the Forest of Dean, developed an interest in performing before building a successful career in London's theatre district.

Her credits also include We Will Rock You, Cats and Dreamboats and Petticoats, while her musical interests extend into jazz, soul and blues.

She has performed alongside Postmodern Jukebox and supported Jools Holland, establishing a career beyond traditional musical theatre.

Her festive EP previously topped iTunes jazz charts.

The Christmas concert will also feature local professional performer Craig Mather, with the cast promising familiar musical numbers alongside festive songs.

Organisers say the one-night event will offer an opportunity to hear established stage performers in the setting of the historic church rather than a large theatre.

The venue, known as Stroud Centre for Peace and the Arts, is hosting a programme of seasonal concerts and community events throughout December.

A Christmas raffle will also take place during the evening in support of Longfield Community Hospice.

The concert is scheduled to run from 7.30pm until approximately 9.45pm, with general admission tickets advertised at £26.50.

For Hatton, the appearance offers another chance to perform close to the area where she grew up, having gone on to establish herself on the national stage.

Tickets and further information are available through the St Laurence venue website.