Express & Star

Youngsters prepare for 25th anniversary concerts

Youngsters are perfecting their costumes and warming up their voices ahead of a drama academy's 25th annual production.

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Walton Village Hall with the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy, where they are getting ready for their next production. Natasha Penninck 11, Grace Dudley 10, Holly Flannery 6, Leyla Hopkinson 10, back L-R: Bethan Howells 9, James Pyatt 9, Lottie Hannaford 11, Sophie Dudley 6, David Howells 12

About 40 students of The Helen O’Grady Drama Academy will be performing six different shows on June 23 at the Rugeley Rose Theatre.

Youngsters from the age of five to older teenagers will be performing after months of hard work.

Iesher Mendez-Jhalli, the principal of the academy, said: "We have an annual production every summer, and this is our normal production but it's even more of value because it's our 25th anniversary of our academy.

"There will be a variation of six different performances on June 23 with 40 children taking part between the ages of five and 19.

"Our groups have different abilities and we have some student with special needs so the different productions cater for their abilities.

"Younger groups will be performing Circus Chaos, School for Superheroes, The Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe, Little Monsters, and the older groups will be performing Trevor Truelove a slapstick comedy and a murder play, The Morelington Manor.

"The students definitely look forward to it, it's their chance to take to the stage.

"They've built up their self esteem and their confidence which is what differentiates our academy.

"They will also be given awards.

"It's a chance for the teachers to reconnect with the parents and give feedback on how each student has done."

To buy tickets, which cost £6, call 01889 802376 or email staffs@helenogrady.co.uk