Children from Ilford had a starring role in a production featuring songs from the musical Fame.

The young people from Make Believe Studios, based at King Solomon High, Forest Road, Barkingside, were showcasing their work for an end of year musical show.

They were joined at the Theatre Royal, in Stratford, by young people from around London, who are part of 13 Make Believe theatre groups for the show over the weekend.

They also had a medley from Lewis Bradley from Any Dream Will Do as a special guest.

Joel Kern, managing director of the studios, said: “The show was amazing and the children were absolutely fantastic.

“Everyone in the audience loved it, and some people bought tickets to see it again the following day.

“The children have already signed up for the next production.”

It featured songs from West End musicals including Matilda, Chicago, Oliver, West Side Story and Les Miserables.

Joel added: “The theatre group is a chance for children to live their dreams on the stage, and they all came together very well.”

Funds raised from the production added to the £5,000 raised by Make Believe for Kith and Kids charity to help families of children with learning difficulties.