An East Kilbride theatre school trod the boards in the bright lights of London recently.
Encore Stars Academy showcased their talents in the West End, with a group of nine among youngsters from across the country performing at the Shaftesbury Theatre.
The talented students performed numbers from Matilda which had been their most recent theatre production and The Little Mermaid which is their upcoming production in November in the EK Village Theatre.
They brought the house down with fantastic performances and are hoping to head to London again next September.
Founder of Encore, Allen Hannah, told Lanarkshire Live: "All of this has been arranged since the beginning of the year so when the passing of the Queen happened, we were unsure if it would still go ahead.
"As it turns out we were still able to perform and the students were excellent and professional throughout.
"I put on free rehearsals for the students to attend to work on their performances leading up to the trip and this really helped bring it all together.
"Seeing the excitement and joy on the students faces meant everything especially after such a long time of COVID stopping things. And for some of the kids half their life in lockdown.
"The families absolutely loved the experience and the children all can't wait to do it again if we raise enough money next year too.
"In 2023 we are looking at going to London again in September and either Universal Studios in Orlando or Spain. But it all depends on fundraising to help support families afford the opportunities."
And Encore have more to look forward to with The Little Mermaid and Cry-Baby musicals in November at the Village Theatre followed by four amazing productions in 2023, which will mark 10 years of Encore Stars Academy.
They will be Annie, The Addams Family, Grease and Frozen.
Allen added: "Encore obtained the performance rights to these fantastic shows and we cant wait for our adult and younger groups to perform these to the EK audiences."
For more information about Encore, go to their Facebook page or email encorestarsacademy@yahoo.com, or call 07769 263997.
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