SINGING star Melanie Masson is urging people to ‘get their hippy on’ when she performs in a spectacular Woodstock show in Bridgnorth next month.

The former X Factor contestant is taking on the leading role in the world premiere of Janis Joplin & Friends in the Woodstock Experience at the Theatre on the Steps on April 14 and 15.

Melanie will be joined by acclaimed UK Jimi Hendrix impersonator John Campbell and they will get a little help from their musician friends from the West End to perform classic hits from the legendary 1969 festival.

For Melanie, landing the part of Janis in the show is a dream come true. The singer, who tragically died at the age of 27 in 1970, in one of Melanie’s inspirations and helped propel her to fame after performing ‘Cry Baby’ on the ITV talent show.

Melanie said the Woodstock Experience would be far more than just a gig with audience singalongs and participation encouraged and a few surprises lined up.

The Bridgnorth shows will be the premiere before it is taken around the country and eventually ending up on the West End.

She said: “This is a really exciting show to be part of and it is all coming together. We have so many great performers taking part.

“The great thing about Woodstock is it was a collection of truly amazing artists at the peak of their creativity. The whole performance and all those songs are so amazing and powerful - we are capturing the essence and excitement of that.

“The audience will be very much part of it and it won’t just be a typical concert. We will have a few surprises lined up for them too.”

It was performing Janis Joplin’s “Cry Baby” that saw her make it to the live finals of X Factor in 2012 and got her noticed further afield.

“I love Janis Joplin. She was such a soulful singer – more than people realise and she has been a huge influence on my career.

“X Factor opened so many doors for me and I got a great reaction when I did Cry Baby. The Janis Joplin Estate even saw it and posted it on their website and Facebook page which was incredible.

“They are normally very private but getting that endorsement from her family made me feel a bit closer to her.”

She added: “I’m looking forward to performing her songs and those of others at Bridgnorth. It loos a wonderful venue and I hear audiences love their live music. I look forward to seeing them get involved and get their hippy on!”

For tickets to the UK premiere call the Theatre on the Steps Box Office on 01746 766477 or visit www.bandwagonproductions.biz for full tour details.