CHILDREN sang their heart out on the West End stage and won rapturous applause.
Twenty students from Stagecoach Wilmslow performed passionate scenes from Les Miserables at Shaftesbury Theatre.
Parents who travelled to London to watch the show described it as ‘absolutely sensational’ and ‘magnificent’.
Posting on social media, one mum said: “They got the biggest and loudest applause by far.”
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The youngsters aged 11 to 17 were among 300 Stagecoach students from all over the country showcasing their talent.
Proud principal Emma Otway said: “Watching from the wings, I don’t think I breathed the whole time.
“They absolutely raised the roof. They were really outstanding and performed out of their skin.
“I don’t have to words to express how proud I am of these children.
“An incredible bunch of students who are wildly talented.”
The school has helped the children come on in leaps and bounds.
“Over half of them started with me when they were just four,” said Emma, who started as a singing teacher 10 years ago and took over as principal in 2016.
“Seeing them perform is just the best feeling ever, to know how much they have come on.
“They put in a lot of extra hours and it really showed.”
Many of the students hope to make a career in performing and some are already on stage.
Jack Sherran, 12, is currently on tour playing young Merrill Osmond in The Osmonds: A New Musical.
Thomas Ryan played young Wayne Osmond last season.
“We work really hard to make sure that every child gets the courage to be who they are and what they want to be,” said Emma.
“We give them memories and friendships that will stay with them forever.”
Stagecoach Wilmslow runs classes on Saturday and Wednesday.
For further details visit stagecoach.co.uk/wilmslow
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