BUDDING young actors and actresses from West Devon who are members of the Stagecoach drama school are to be given the chance of a lifetime at three special workshops taking place this week.

From tomorrow (Friday) until Sunday, stars of West End shows such as Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Hairspray and Les Miserables will come to Stagecoach in Plymouth to give 200 children the opportunity to train alongside them.

Each three-hour workshop will end with a short performance by the students and West End stars, Craig Whitley and Dominic Ferris.

During each three-hour master-class students will learn the same warm ups, training techniques, dance routines, musical numbers and scenes that are being performed in Les Miserables at the moment.

Dominic Ferris, who plays in Blood Brothers, Wicked, Les Miserables and Billy Elliott, will be the musical director.

Richard Munday, who is currently starring in Phantom of the Opera in the West End said: 'It's the kind of experience that I could only have dreamed of when I was growing up. The chance to work so closely with some of the best performers the West End has got to offer'

Craig Whiteley, star of Blood Brothers will be leading the weekend workshops.

He said: 'I can't wait to start working with the youngsters from Stagecoach. I know that they offer children with a passion for musical theatre regular opportunities to work with top practitioners not normally available to children outside London, which complement their weekly dance, drama and singing classes.

'It's guaranteed to be a weekend of workshops that will bring the West End experience to the South West.'

Stagecoach hold classes in dance drama and singing, for 4 to 18 year olds, every weekend throughout term times.

Frances May, Stagecoach principal, said: 'We are so pleased to be hosting such an exciting event and we just know how much our students will love working together with Craig and Dominic'

The Stagecoach Performance Group will be performing on the stage at Her Majesty's Theatre in London this March, with a new song and dance piece devised for them.

To find out more about stagecoach and the workshops call Frances on 0800 5875760.