YOUNGSTERS from Tanwood School for Performing Arts will be fulfilling their dreams as they wow audiences as part of a professional production.

The group of 15 youngsters, aged between six and 15, will take to the stage as orphans in the popular musical Annie after being approached by the show’s production company.

Director Pollyann Tanner said she and the students were delighted.

“I can’t wait to see them on stage because I train them, and they are all absolutely loving it,” she said.

“For the majority of them, this is their dream and it is what they want to do when they are older, it is a great experience and to be working alongside Su Pollard as Miss Hannigan will be brilliant for them.”

The students have already been taught the routines for the show and will continue to rehearse until October, singing and dancing their way through some of the most popular songs including ‘Tomorrow’ and ‘Its A Hard Knock Life’.

Pollyann said: “There was a criteria that we had to meet – the children had to be six or over, under five foot tall – we had auditions and 15 children were chosen.

“The routines are quite difficult, the orphans are obviously very gritty and tough little characters, with lots of singing and acting, but the children love it.

“I will be working with them over the next month to brush up all the routines so they are all ready to go on October 4.

“I expect they probably are a bit nervous but we are going to rehearse and rehearse until they can’t get it wrong and they will have no reason to be nervous, only excited.”

The production opens at the Wyvern Theatre on Monday, October 4, and runs until Saturday, October 9.

Tickets cost from £22 to £28 (children’s concessions available) and are available by calling the box office on 01793 524481 or log on to www.wyverntheatre. org.uk For more information on Tanwood School visit www.tanwood.co.uk.