West End Stage Celebrates 10,000th Student With A Visit From DREAMGIRLS Star Marisha Wallace

West End Stage summer school celebrated reaching its milestone 10,000th student with a special visit from West End leading lady Marisha Wallace at the school's rehearsal space in the theatre at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama on 17 August.

The Broadway actress and singer, who shares the role of Effie White with Moya Angela and Karen Mav, in the multi-award winning musical Dreamgirls, was joined on stage by the school's 10,000th student, 15 year-old Charlie Plumridge from Hereford, as well as its first ever student, Stuart Thompson from Durham, who is now 21 years old and studying at LAMDA having pursued his passion for performing.

In summer 2006, West End Stage began in a bid to become the UK's leading theatre summer school. Its aim was, and still is, to ignite a global passion for theatre, uniting young people from all over the world. Throughout the week-long course led by West End stars, the students take part in in an exciting mix of drama, singing and dance classes, as well as enjoying an inspirational trip to a West End musical. The highlight of every student's week is the chance to make their own West End debut at Her Majesty's Theatre, the world-famous home of The Phantom of the Opera, in front of a huge audience of family, friends and industry professionals.

Mark Puddle, Founder and Chief Executive of West End Stage, said "I am absolutely delighted that Marisha could join us direct from the West End to celebrate the 10,000 students who have enjoyed once-in-a-lifetime opportunities at the summer school, making friends for life along the way. The course is going from strength to strength, thanks to the hard work and passion of our teachers, staff and supporters who work tirelessly to ensure a safe and exciting experience."

To find out more about West End summer school, visit: https://www.westendstage.com

To find out more about Dreamgirls visit: https://dreamgirlswestend.com. The musical, which opened in December 2016 to widespread critical acclaim, will give its final performance at the Savoy Theatre on Saturday 12 January 2019, completing a run of more than two years. Details for a forthcoming UK tour will be announced in due course.