A SUMMER school for budding young performers will be held at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton later this year.

Stage-ed, now in its 10th year, is run by Wirral-based actor Michael Southern who starred in the West End and national touring production of Blood Brothers for more than 10 years along with business partner, actor Steve Palfreman who also spent 20 years with the show.

Set up whilst starring in Willy Russell's Blood Brothers in London’s West End, the organisation has grown into one of the country’s leading workshop companies.

When not working on holiday schools or their productions, Steve and Mike work with students all over the UK, Europe, and UAE on their GCSE exams, alongside a superb collective of theatre professionals and practitioners offering ground-breaking workshops to students studying Drama & English.

Steve said: "Our West End Performing Arts Summer School will run at the Floral Pavilion this summer for two separate weeks!

"Now in its 10th year, this year the Summer School is open to all 6 – 21-year-olds (working in age specific groups).

"It is not about discovering the next Elaine Paige or Michael Ball it is about bringing a bunch of brilliant young people together and sharing our passion for the West End.

"You will act, dance, sing, meet new friends and have a week that you will remember for the rest of your life.

"The one question that we get asked more than any other from parents is 'is it good for confidence?'

"Our answer is simple - giving young people confidence is the reason that we started this venture.

"No previous experience of performing is required, in fact Stage-ed is often the first time that some of those attending have been on stage!"

You can come for one week or both weeks as they are different. 

  • Week 1: Monday, August 8 to Friday, August 12
  • Week 2: Monday, August 15 to Friday, August 19

Shows that Stage-Ed will work on during the summer school include: Encanto, Matilda, The Lion King, The Greatest Showman, Hamilton, Six, Blood Brothers, The Play That Goes Wrong.

The school will run from 9am-4pm. each day. The week finishes with an incredibly special showcase for friends and family to see you perform what you have worked on all week.

Steve continued: "Anyone that attends either week will be invited to appear in The musicals in concert on Saturday, August 20th at the Floral Pavilion Theatre.

"A separate event that is open to the public as we bring stars from the West End that have appeared in the likes of Les Mis, Miss Saigon, Wicked, Mamma Mia, The Book of Mormon, Blood Brothers and The Phantom of the Opera up from London.

"TV funny man Ted Robbins, star of Phoenix Nights and Coronation Street, will compare the event.

"We would love to see you this summer in what we promise will be our biggest and best West End Summer School yet."

For booking information or to watch the trailer visit stage-edholidayschools.com

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis