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Blood Bros star Richard gives acting masterclass in Leighton
Watch the students' first performance at the launch of Musical Theatre High!
WEST End actor and Linslade old boy Richard Reynard was back in town this week to find musical theatre stars of the future.
He launched a drama workshop based at Vandyke Upper School called Musical Theatre High! and nearly 60 youngsters stepped into the spotlight.
Richard, a former Cedars student, who is currently starring in Blood Brothers, was delighted at the response and is planning a three-day course this Easter followed by a full week during the summer break.
During the day the wannabe stars were put through their paces by Richard and his assistant, fellow musical performer Gemma Baird.
At the finale they performed excerpts from Mamma Mia to their proud parents and friends.
"It's been an incredible day," said Richard. "They were all amazing to work with. In the space of five hours we put together something rough but something they could all be really proud of.
"This was the realisation of a dream for me. I'm a Linslade boy born and bred and my parents were here.
"I left home at 16 with a dream to go on stage and I made it. I now want to pass that dream onto others.
"Getting the workshop ready was really hard work but hugely rewarding. The thing I enjoyed the most was having this contact with the students.
"The children really rose to the occasion and achieved so much."
Throughout the day the youngsters were put through their paces with physical and vocal warm-ups because launching into a ten-minute routine featuring songs from the Abba-inspired musical.
Richard then exclusively announced that Gemma, who shared the role of Maria in The Sound of Music with Connie Fisher, is one of six performers to have been chosen for the upcoming revival of the 1960s hippy musical Hair, which is coming straight from Broadway to London.
Scholarships were handed out to students Rose Riley and Helena Prettyman while lucky Molly Digby received tickets to see Richard in Blood Brothers.
For more information about upcoming workshops visit www.richardreynard.com or email the actor richardreynard@musicaltheatrehigh.com
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Weather for Leighton Buzzard
Thursday 17 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 7 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
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