There was no need for a ‘Spoon Full of Sugar’ to encourage these Stockton Riverside College Musical Theatre students to ‘Step in Time’.

The budding stars of stage and screen were given a unique lesson in putting on a ‘Practically Perfect’ performance by the children’s director of the upcoming Mary Poppins UK tour.

Mark Hedges, who is currently working in the same role on the UK tour of The Bodyguard, took some time out from his hectic schedule to help with rehearsals for the Stockton students’ summer show, A Medley of Musicals.

Impressed by the standard of the students’ stage work, he said: “The upcoming talent in the North-east is unbelievable.”

Having been a performer himself with 15 years of experience, Mark has worked on some of the top stage shows including Les Miserables, Starlight Express and Grease the Musical, before moving on to the role of children’s director, currently working with theatrical producer, Cameron Mackintosh.

Offering a two-day masterclass to Level 3 Performing Arts Musical Theatre students at Stockton Riverside College, he said: “I didn’t have to treat the students any differently to how I would treat a team of professionals, offering them a feel what it is really like to work in the industry.”

Currently working on their summer show, A Medley of Musicals, the finale to the academic year, the Stockton Riverside College Musical Theatre students always strive to deliver as close to a professional performance as possible, working with professional choreographers and teachers with industry experience.

Mark said: “The students are lucky to be taught by teachers and choreographers who have been at the top of their game in the industry.”

Of the workshop with Mark, student Will Hargreaves, 18, of Stockton, said: “It is always great to get the opportunity to work with people who are working in the industry now, helping to prepare us for what it’s like to do this as a career.”

Kieran Tyreman, 17, of Hartlepool, added: “Working with Mark has been great, I’ve loved it; it all feels very professional.”

Stockton Riverside College’s Musical Theatre summer show, A Medley of Musicals, takes to the stage at the college’s Margaret Armstrong Theatre from Tuesday June 9 to Friday June 12. Tickets £12/£10 are available from the box office 01642 865465 or www.performingarts.org.uk

---

Gallery