By Caroline Westbrook BBC News Online entertainment staff

London's Shaftesbury Theatre has been playing host to people from all over the country seeking a shot at West End stardom, with the chance to appear in the new musical 125th Street.

Throughout Tuesday, 52 performers had their moment in the spotlight, hoping to impress the judges enough to be one of the 12 selected to be in the show.

Eleven will have a week in the spotlight and perform a solo number every night, while one grand winner will have the chance to take centre stage on the show's opening night.

It's great, people are very good, better than I thought they'd be

Cast member Gilz Terrera

Although it was a competitive day, the atmosphere at the Shaftesbury Theatre was a friendly one.

No restrictions

Finalists clapped along to each other's performances and offered as much support as possible.

Unlike Popstars and the like, which have controversially rejected people on the grounds of age, weight or looks, there were no restrictions on who could take part.

"I like the fact that they're not bothered about your age, or what you look like," said finalist Juliet Sharpe, 41, a tarot card reader from Birmingham. "They're not biased at all."

Juliet Sharpe: "they're not biased at all"

"They're looking for talent this time, not just looks," said 17-year-old Cameron Nielson from Glasgow. "They're after good singers."

Another finalist, Danielle Mozley from Manchester, was equally enthusiastic about the day.

"It's been great to be able to watch other people audition, you don't normally get to see that," she said.

Those involved in the show have been just as impressed with the talent displayed at the auditions.

"It's great, people are very good, better than I thought they'd be," said Gilz Terrera, one of the professional cast members.

Spangly

"I don't think I've ever seen 50 people of that standard in one room at the same time, it's been great," said musical supervisor Dave McKay.

"It's a great show," added former footballer Gerry Francis, who has invested in the show and spent much of the day posing for photos outside the theatre in a spangly purple jacket.

Former footballer Gerry Francis: Backing the show

The show, which takes place over one night in 1969, is set at the famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York, which was famous for its amateur nights.

James Brown, Dionne Warwick and Michael Jackson were among those who performed there before they became stars.

'Exciting'

One performer, John Barr, has already been chosen to take part in the show, which is currently previewing at the theatre prior to its official opening night on 17 September. He takes to the stage from Saturday night.

"My audition was very nerve-wracking," said the 31-year-old songwriter from north London.

John Barr has been chosen to perform in the previews

"We were in groups of 10, and I was singing last, and saw all this talent going up before me.

"But it all went quite well, and then I got the phone call to come and do the previews, which was quite exciting."

But even those finalists who are not chosen to take part in the show this time around will have another chance later, as once the first 12 have had their moment of glory another 12 will be chosen - and amateurs will play their part for as long as the show runs.

"All 52 willl be involved," said Mr McKay. "Whether they are in the first three months isn't important really, as long as they know they're going to be involved.

"We just pick 12 for now, and then hopefully we'll pick the next 12 in a few weeks time."