Estrellas Theatre School  has just returned from a whistle stop Performing Arts and Drama tour of London’s West End.

Twenty seven students aged between 12 and 17 together with Maureen Sands, Principal and teaching staff set off from Tenerife to take part in intensive theatre and choreography workshops and enjoy a cross section of shows in the West End.
On day one the fun started as early as the departure lounge at Tenerife South Airport when students put on an impromptu dance performance to entertain other delayed travellers and holiday makers.
Despite an incredibly late arrival into central London, students were up bright and early the following day to attend a Grease-based workshop at Danceworks Studios.  As this will be Estrellas’ forthcoming performance in June, students eagerly sought advice and ideas from choreographer Charlotte Bull who is in fact Dance Captain for the current West End production of Grease.
Central School for Speech and Drama was the venue for the afternoon activity where students enjoyed a master class on working as a performer in soaps.   Tutor Stephanie who had appeared in Holby City, The Bill and Emmerdale had a wealth of knowledge to share with the students on how things work on the small screen.
The day finished on a spectacular high as students enjoyed a lovely dinner at Smollensky’s on the Strand followed by a stunning performance by the cast of Chicago at the Cambridge Theatre.
Day three saw the students off to Television Centre for a tour of the BBC which everyone thoroughly enjoyed.  Highlights included a tour of the news centre, a chance for students to read the news and give a weather report as well as a sneaky peek at a top notch celebrity dressing room.   Several students expressed an interest in television journalism and a career “behind the camera” so watch out BBC for those application forms in a few years!
After a swift packed lunch it was back to Danceworks for more Grease techniques and tips and only the briefest time back at the hotel to freshen up before hamburgers for all at Planet Hollywood and a trip to the Her Majesty’s Theatre to see Phantom of the Opera.  Despite prior reservations from some of the students that Phantom “wasn’t their thing”, it was a fully appreciative group who emerged from the theatre raving about fabulous voices and stunning special effects.
Day four got off to a flying start as students returned to Central School for Speech and Drama to take part in a two hour musical theatre workshop.  Actor Joe Evans gave students an insight into the world of jobbing actor and there was much hilarity as Estrellas students took part in improvisation scenarios that brought the house down.
The laughter turned to blood curdling screams in the afternoon as students took some time out of their hectic schedule to visit the London Dungeons.  Anyone who might have been flagging prior to stepping over the threshold was on red alert at the dungeons, never knowing what might appear around the corner!!
To bring an exciting trip to London to a spectacular close, students got the opportunity to meet the cast of Grease for photos and autographs, followed by the much anticipated performance which involved a great deal of Estrellas audience participation!
It was a very tired yet inspired group of students that flew back to Tenerife South airport the following day, full of new experiences to share with fellow students and ideas to add to their future performances.
You can read more about Estrellas trip to London, including photographs by visiting www.estrellastheatreschool.com

Tenerife News edition 422