A THEATRE school will perform at the O2 arena after winning a place in the final of the ‘Glee Club Challenge’.

Academy Arts Theatre, which has been running in Epping for ten years, won their place after performing twice for the judges and will challenge three other groups in a bid to win £5,000 in the final on Sunday, March 19.

The group, made up of 14 members, were originally up against 30 other groups and will now attempt to impress celebrity judges, including X Factor finalist, Brenda Edwards.

Founder of the theatre school, Nina Jones, said: “They had a great time and so enjoyed working with professionals and getting feedback from them. They all want to do performing arts professionally so to get this far in the Glee Challenge is great.

“They are so excited and a really tight knit group. While we were not confident at first, our hopes are raised after getting to the final and seeing so many strong groups. We can’t wait.”

The competition is now in its sixth year and is supported by the Jack Petchey Foundation.

Tickets for the final are £13 and available online at www.theO2.co.uk.