BLACKPOOL'S showbiz stars of the future are set for Paradise in May as they showcase their talents in an evening of dance and musical theatre at the Pleasure Beach.
For Phil Winston, the man who dreams up the moves for Amanda Thompson's Hot Ice and Eclipse, has decided it's time people got to see what his busy students at Theatre Works Dance Company are up to.
Eclipse star and up-and-coming producer Ian Meeson explained to the Citizen the reasons behind The Works at the Paradise Room on May 13 and 14.
"We don't really do shows at Theatre Works," he said.
"We are very much a syllabus and exam based operation and they take up so much time and energy.
"Some schools do nothing but show after show after show and all the students actually learn is to smile very well.
"But after our involvement with the recent dance event at the Opera House Phil realised our students parents had travelled such a long way to see their child perform and only actually seen them for six minutes!
"That was simply not on so we had to do something about it. And The Works was born.
"It's not an actual story but more of a showcase of everything we do here and the songs and moves we like performing. And it's not one of those things that drags on for ever either so the whole family can enjoy it. "Phil is the driving force behind it of course, but he's busy in rehearsals for Hot Ice at the moment so I'm sort of like the producer without the money which I'm loving doing even though it's driving me mad it's so manic at the moment."
Tunes include Whistle Down the Wind, Black Velvet and Forever Yours and one dancing diva who will be all smiles on the night is 17-year-old Danielle Rawsthorn who has just scooped a top scholarship from the renowned International Dance Teachers Association.
Danielle, pictured here, said: "It was in modern jazz and it's the third time someone from this college has won it, so I feel very proud.
"I danced in the Legends show on North Pier last summer which gave me a taste of professional life and was really tough as it was a swing job which means I can be dancing any part any night so I have to learn them all!"
Danielle, from Rawstenstall, travels to Blackpool three times as week and doesn't mind the trek to the seaside.
"I chose Theatre Works because of Phil Winston's reputation in dance circles and hopefully with his training I'll eventually get be in a big show like Saturday Night Fever."
The Works steps out at the Paradise Room, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, on May 13 and 14.
Tickets and more information are available from Pleasure Beach box offices or by calling (0870) 4445566.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article