Gloucester-born singer Mary-Jess Leaverland and fellow soprano Joanna Forest will be returning to the stage together in the coming months.

The pair will be touring the UK with their ‘Christmas at the Musicals’ show, and will be performing at the Bacon Theatre on Friday 13th December.

“I asked my friend Joanna to join me on stage for Christmas at the Musicals last year and it was just so successful that we've turned it in to a full tour for this year with an even bigger show and lots more dates added!” said Mary-Jess, who rose to fame after winning the Chinese X Factor.

“I was so excited about the idea when Mary-Jess first pitched it to me,” continued Joanna.

“We’ve each done solo tours up and down the country for years, but why not create a show that lets you tour with your best friend!? It’s so much fun!”

The show will feature the pair singing Christmas classics as well as much-loved songs from Broadway and West End musicals.

“Mary-Jess and I sang together a few times before the tour was suggested, so we knew that our voices blended well” said Joanna, who this year was presented with the first ever ‘Future Classic Women’ Award in May 2019

“Not only do I love the range and power of Mary-Jess’ voice, but I love how she shares so much of herself with the audience at every show.”

Following her success in China, Mary-Jess has gone on to sing at the FA Cup final, tour with Russell Watson and G4, and most recently sang on the theme song for the ‘Downton Abbey’ film.

She continued: “September was so busy for me with the film coming out. The main theme with my voice on it has now been watched over one million times on YouTube and I’ve been invited to perform the song at events all over the world! It’s amazing!”

Joanna is no stranger to high profile performances herself, singing on the pitch at Premier League grounds, on BBC's Songs of Praise and in theatres up and down the UK for numerous shows including her own nationwide tours.

At age 21, she had to put all her performing and recording dreams on hold indefinitely when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“Not only does Joanna have an amazing voice, but she's one of the most inspirational people I have ever met,” added Mary-Jess.

“She beat the horrible disease and has since gone on to achieve her dream of creating a UK Classical Number One selling album, not once, but twice!”

For tickets and more information on Christmas at the Musicals visit www.mary-jess.com