pupils from the Hawthorns School, Bletchingley, are currently enjoying success on the West End Stage. Zoe Kirk, aged nine, has been recently chosen to perform in Shrek the Musical, alongside stars such as Nigel Harman and Amanda Holden. Zoe went through a tough audition process this summer to gain her place in the show but she managed to catch the eye of the production team and obviously has what it takes to shine.

Gabriella Gilliat, aged ten, has also been lucky enough to be selected to join a musical theatre song and dance troupe called West End Kids, who specialise in coaching and mentoring aspiring young performers aged 10–18 years. Gabriella was amongst several hundred hopefuls who all auditioned for a place in the company and was the youngest to be selected!

Debbie Pettifer, Head of Drama at The Hawthorns and Tanya Greenwood, Head of Dance, wish both the girls every success in their respective ventures. "It is very exciting for the girls to have these opportunities and a wonderful chance for them to see what life in the West End is really like!"