A West End theatre director is looking to create the stars of the future by opening a new performing arts school in Milton Keynes.
And a host of celebrities took a break from their London shows to celebrate the launch of the new CentreStage Theatre School MK on Monday at Milton Keynes Theatre.
Founder Peter Addis, former London associate director of the hit musical Mamma Mia! invited his friends and colleagues from the West End to the launch of his new school, among them Scarlettt Strallen, (who is currently making national headlines in the title role of Mary Poppins), Tasha Sheridan (Sophie in Mamma Mia!) and Shona White (Alternate Elphaba in Wicked).
Scarlett Strallen has become the first patron of CentreStage.
She said: "I'm delighted to be supporting Peter's new school. He's a fantastic teacher and director."
Tasha Sheridan who was taught drama skills by Peter at London's prestigious Arts Educational School added: "I owe him so much for his input into my career over the years. CentreStage will be a huge success with such exceptional talent behind it."
The West End stars will be returning to the school on a regular basis as guest teachers providing coaching workshops for the students.
CentreStage will operate from the state of the art Hazeley School every Saturday morning from September, catering for children aged 4-18.
It will focus on musical theatre and offer professional coaching in singing, dancing and acting.
Peter, who will run the school with his wife Jacqueline, herself a former professional actress and dancer said: "The school is about giving children of all abilities access to the best tutoring at an affordable price. As with every profession, success comes with knowledge.
Our students will benefit by learning from the top performers and teachers in the industry passing on their knowledge and experience and thus encouraging new talent to blossom. Promising students can progress to have specialist advanced tuition as we will want to nurture and develop their abilities."
He added: "Most importantly, the school is about confidence building and gaining life skills which can be transferred into every aspect of a child's life. Above all we want our students to have fun and enjoy their achievements."