On Tuesday 5 November, our Spotlight Performing Arts students were treated to a Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera workshop by West End performer James Hume.

The workshop took place between period 2 and period 4 in the Dance Studio, with students learning all different types of skills that are used by top level performers in the industry.

It was an engaging and entertaining workshop for the students, as our unique Spotlight Performing Arts Academy focuses on developing the passions and interests of students within all strands of Performing Arts, namely Music, Dance and Drama.

Speaking about the visit, special guest James said: "I've been very fortunate to be in Les Mis and the Phantom of the Opera shows over the last 2-3 years, and I'm here to give the students an insight into how we put the shows together and what the rehearsals are like.

"It gives the students an idea of teamwork, having focus within the room and working with each other to create something from nothing.

"There was so much great energy in the room, the students were really up for it and had a great understanding of what we were trying to do — days like today give them belief that they can go and do it."