‘Dreamgirls’ stars at the Savoy inspire next generation of theatre talent in schools

Secondary school pupils from east London have met the cast of Dreamgirls stage production in the West End in a move to inspire the next generation of theatre talent.

Mayor of London campaign to get theatres to be more accessible to youngsters like those from Central Foundation and Jo Richardson schools. Picture: Kois Miah - Credit: Kois Miah

Youngsters from Central Foundation in Bethnal Green and Jo Richardson Community in Dagenham were among 170 pupils from all over London invited to the Savoy Theatre in The Strand yesterday.

The show’s co-author Priya Parmar spoke to the youngsters about her role in the production and her journey into theatre, aimed at inspiring tomorrow’s stage talent.

Members of the cast also joined them afterwards, including Marisha Wallace who plays Effie White, Brennyn Lark as Deena Jones and Asmeret Ghebremichael as Lorrrell Robinson.

The Mayor of London is working with the major London theatres as part of his campaign to make them more accessible to youngsters.

The schools have also been taking part in his ‘Stepping Stones’ summer school programme which supports youngsters’ transition from primary to secondary through activities such as holiday projects and peer mentoring.

The programme is now running in 15 new London schools like Central Foundation and Jo Richardson.