Keeping it strictly musicals at Harpenden Public Halls

A TASTE of the West End will be brought to Harpenden next weekend when local students perform alongside some of the leading stars of the stage.

The Strictly Musicals show at Harpenden Public Halls on Sunday, November 1, will see a cast of West End stars accompanying top stage actor Michael Xavier through an afternoon of songs from the most popular musicals.

The five stars will perform music from many of the shows they have been in, including the Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, Oklahoma, Les Miserables and Mama Mia.

The show is part of a scheme called Sing with the Stars and is the first in a number of performances planned with school pupils across the South East.

More than 50 students from Sir John Lawes, which is a specialist media and arts school, auditioned for the show, with 24 of that number gaining roles. The judges were particularly impressed with Year 10 student Jamie Paterson who was awarded a special role.

Students from the two other Harpenden schools will also be taking part in the show.

Michael Xavier promised an afternoon of "fabulous" entertainment and said: "I think it will prove to be even more exciting now we have so many talented children involved."

Sir John Lawes head of music, David Stephenson, said he was delighted that so many of his students got involved. He continued: "The students were very excited about performing with professionals and realised the great learning opportunities available in the workshops and rehearsals. That's not to say they weren't nervous at the auditions but, as ever, their talent and abilities shone through."

Mr Stephenson added: "The organisers were very impressed with the attitude of our children and how supportive they were of each other."

The show begins at 3pm and tickets are �16 or �14, available from the box office on 01582 767525.