A well-loved star of stage and screen gave top tips to pupils of a Wokingham drama school when they went along to a scholarship party at a London theatre.

Alex Jenkins and Lauren Skinner from Razzamataz Theatre School, based at The Emmbrook School in Wokingham and Waingels College in Woodley, were delighted to meet EastEnders legend Barbara Windsor at the party last month.

Alex, 12, said: “It was such an amazing day. I even got an agent’s card.”

The pupils were invited to a party at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane to celebrate their success at winning scholarships offered in association with The Stage performers newspaper.

The pupils submitted a short film showing them performing either a musical theatre song and dance, drama improvisation or scripted drama piece and the lucky winners were given a year-long scholarship to Razzamataz.

Shelley Fitzgibbon, principal of Razzamataz in Wokingham and Woodley, said: “It wasn’t just about raw talent, the applicants had to show a strong dedication to the performing arts.

“We looked for those that demonstrated a maturity and a real desire to learn and we were delighted to offer Alex Jenkins and Lauren Skinner the scholarship.”

Other stars from the West End also attended the scholars party with X Factor winner Shayne Ward and television star Justin Lee Collins making an appearance.

Lauren, 14, who attends Wokingham Razzamataz, said: “Winning the scholarship has given me an enormous boost of confidence. By being invited to The Stage party, I feel that it is already opening up opportunities that would not otherwise be available to me and it has really given me an insight into the world of show business.

“Shelley has helped me so much by giving me this opportunity and it is her encouragement and enthusiasm that has spurred me on.”

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