Budding theatre stars from Coombeshead College, Newton Abbot, and King Edward VI Community College (KEVICC), Totnes, got to tread the boards in the West End at the weekend when they wowed the crowds in a special gala performance of Billy Elliot The Musical.

More than 1,500 people packed into Victoria Palace Theatre and watched the two schools perform scenes from the show.

The evening was hosted by Billy Elliot The Musical writer Lee Hall, director Stephen Daldry and producer Eric Fellner.

They sat and watched the two south Devon schools – which worked together on the project – and 13 other groups that were chosen to perform in a specially adapted version of the musical.

They beat off competition from thousands of youngsters to make it to the gala evening, organised by Billy Youth Theatre.

Kelly McManus, lead practitioner AST at Coombeshead College, who worked relentless to make sure the colleges made it to the West End, was thrilled to see their efforts come to fruition.

'I wept with joy watching it,' she said.

'To see our Billy's from Coombeshead and KEVICC [Sam Vowden and Bidwell Fairlove] on stage with the professional Billys from the musical was just amazing. It was a momentous occasion.

'I am just gutted our colleges didn't get to do more scenes.'

Richard Vowden was in the audience to cheer on his son Sam Vowden.

He was joined by his partner Jo Patten. Other family members travelled from York to support Sam.

'I have never been so proud,' said Mr Vowden.

'He's battled through so much to get the role and it's been the making of him. He's blossomed since he got the part. This is the beginning for him and we hope he goes on to do more acting as he loves it.'

Parent Rachel Thacker, who made the journey to London to see her daughter Jessica perform, was thrilled to see the production.

'It gave me immense pride to watch the local schools on stage and, of course, see Jessica, who attends Coombeshead College, up there,' said Mrs Thacker.

'It brings a lump to my throat thinking about the show. It was a great opportunity for the youngsters and something they'll remember forever.'

Julie Pearman, who watched her daughter Rebecca in the ensemble, was also bursting with pride.

'I am on a real high after seeing her perform, so I bet the youngsters are too,' she said.

Pat and Duncan Stewart, were also in the audience. Their son Callum, from KEVICC, played the role of Billy's father.

'They all did a fantastic job,' said Mrs Stewart.

'They held their own and did us proud. I wouldn't have missed this performance for the world.

'Callum loves acting and is going on to study drama at Bournemouth University later this year.'

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