Paul Young's great niece dedicates solo show to famous uncle

Sidney Jane Causer, who lives in Cranage, is a regular principal with the award-winning Mid Cheshire Youth Theatre, but has recently started branching out into the world of solo gigging.

The 15-year-old is the great niece of Sad Café and Mike + The Mechanics songwriter and lead singer, Paul Young, who sadly died in 2000 at just 53.

Her next solo performance is on Friday, October 11, at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, where she will be playing to 400 guests at the annual Women of the Year Lunch.

On this very special occasion, she's going to be playing one of her great uncle Paul’s most famous songs, Every Day Hurts, as a tribute to him.

Sidney has had a difficult few years herself, having been diagnosed with type one diabetes in 2022, but instead of letting it get her down, it's really sharpened up her drive.

Sidney Jane Causer as Elsa in Frozen with Mid Cheshire Youth Theatre (Image: Graham Holt)

She’s now an ambassador for diabetes charity, BreakthroughTD1, and she’ll be using her Etihad performance to raise money and awareness of its goals and work. You can find her just GoFundMe page here. 

The Holmes Chapel Comprehensive pupil is very much at home on the musical theatre stage, but solo performances like this are something of a novelty. 

“It’s pretty daunting compared to being on stage with a lot of other people,” she said.

“But once I’m up and singing, I can’t get enough of it. The adrenaline you get is incredible.

“My set list is pretty varied. I’ve got some stuff from musicals, like Les Mis, ranging right through to Radiohead.

“I’m also doing a song by Sad Café, Every Day Hurts, as the lead singer, Paul Young, was my great uncle. He was also in Mike + The Mechanics.

Sidney Jane Causer loves music theatre, but is also keen to make her name as a solo performer (Image: Jon Crompton)

“I’m singing it in his memory.

“I also love musicals. Les Mis reminds me so much of my grandad. I’ll be singing I Dreamed a Dream, and On My Own on Friday.

“Being diagnosed with type one diabetes was really tough at first, but I’m starting to adjust to it. I’ve found theatre and performance is a really transformative outlet for me.

“It’s led me to become a youth ambassador for BreakthroughT1D, which involves raising awareness to help it support young people with type one diabetes.”

“Last year, I had the rewarding experience of performing as Elsa at the Starlight Children's Ward Christmas party for the diabetes department at Wythenshawe Hospital.”

Sidney’s mum, Lydia Causer, said: “She honestly never stops. She has her PA set up in the lounge, so it’s constant singing.

“I can’t wait to see her perform at the Woman of the Year Lunch. I’m a keen supporter, and I’ve been going for their lunches for years.

“It’s such a lovely, uplifting event, and this is the first time it's been in Manchester. 

“It’s an amazing opportunity for Sidney. To be asked to do this at only 15 is wonderful.”