IPSWICH Theatretrain is heading along the right tracks and moving full steam ahead into the new year.The success of the stage school, launched in Ipswich in September last year, has surpassed expectations and demand for places has grown so big that a second school has been opened to accommodate the youngsters.

By Jo Macdonald

IPSWICH Theatretrain is heading along the right tracks and moving full steam ahead into the new year.

The success of the stage school, launched in Ipswich in September last year, has surpassed expectations and demand for places has grown so big that a second school has been opened to accommodate the youngsters.

The Ipswich branch of Theatretrain, which has more than 30 centres across the country, offers children aged six to 18 the chance to learn dance, drama and singing with two productions a year, one in Ipswich and one in the West End.

When the school first started classes on Saturday mornings at St Albans School the 63 places available for pupils were quickly filled and a waiting list started to grow.

Due to the demand for places Theatretrain manager, Linda Lomas, decided to open a second school in the afternoon.

More than 30 pupils have enrolled since it began a couple of weeks ago but there are still places left for children in each age group – six to nine-year-olds, nine to 12-year-olds and 13 to 18-year-olds. The classes rotate between dance, drama and singing classes.

Joining Theatretrain guarantees a chance to appear on a professional stage.

In April 15 of the school's pupils will appear alongside children from other schools around the country at The Old Vic in London's West End.

In July all the children from Ipswich Theatretrain's morning classes will appear at Her Majesty's Theatre in the capital.

And every pupil of the afternoon school will have the opportunity to appear at Ipswich's New Wolsey Theatre as part of this year's Pulse Festival, performing a show called Love and Peace.

Anyone interested in joining Ipswich Theatretrain is asked to contact Linda Lomas on 01473 726880.

Weblink: www.theatretrain.co.uk