Episode 10 School for Stars

Millions dream of fame, success and life in the spotlight.

But few realise what it takes to make it to the very top.

It's got to go off. Big-time!

We've been inside one of the most famous stage schools in Britain,

finding out what life is like for those heading for the big time.

We need to work at that level all the time.

This is...

YEAH!

..the School For Stars.

Coming up, the end-of-year show is finally here.

This is the one. Let's do it, guys!

But Karen is furious with the cast.

Absolutely appalling.

-And the pressure...

-Stop talking.

..becomes almost unbearable.

-I just hope I don't cry.

-Here we go.

I'm feeling very scared.

At the Italia Conti Academy Of Theatre Arts in central London,

the summer term is almost over.

After months of rehearsals,

auditions,

nail-biting exams,

and life-changing scholarships,

all the hard work and sacrifice

comes down to one final big performance.

All the pupils have relocated to a major central London theatre

for the massive end-of-year show.

Today is the day we've all been waiting for. It's the show day.

I'm quite nervous but I'm really, really excited.

Slightly stressed at the moment but we'll get there.

Tonight, the pupils will be performing to a packed audience

of casting agents and choreographers.

If the students impress them,

it could lead to some major work in the future.

Before the curtain goes up, the performers have a few hours

to block through their routines up on stage.

OK. So carry on to your next set of positions.

Arrrgh!

For year seven's Johnny, tonight is a huge test.

La-la-la la-la-la, la-la-la.

-Wonderful.

-You all right?

Johnny is playing Jojo in Seussical The Musical.

Despite being the youngest performer in the show,

he's got one of the lead parts.

It's a pretty good honour

to be playing the main character in Seussical

when I'm in year seven,

so I think that's... I'm really thankful for that.

It's been a mixed term for Johnny,

constantly being in trouble with his teachers.

-You need to sort it out.

-OK.

-Yes?

I'm trying my best to be good,

because I do want to stay in the school.

The cheeky chap found himself on report

and in trouble with his dad.

I hear you let yourself down again today.

But show director Karen never lost faith in Johnny...

-You think you're going to be able to do it?

-..and handed him his lead role

and the perfect opportunity to stand out for the right reasons.

I really want to show everyone that I'm not just the bad kid at school.

With his big moment just hours away,

Johnny gets his first proper look at the stage he'll be performing on.

Now I'm here, I can't wait to get on.

I hope that I remember everything,

everyone does what they have to do, and if that goes good,

and that's what happens, I think it will be a pretty fun show.

Karen, the show's director,

is keen to give Johnny some final notes to take into his performance.

So you have to show me a mischievous little boy,

who is going to use his imagination to create the show, all right?

-Yeah.

-Are you going to be OK with that?

-Yep. Try my best.

-It's going to be fabulous. Just be you. It will be perfect.

-OK.

I want to show Karen that I can do it.

She put a lot of faith into me so, tonight, I'm going to do my best.

# You show the light that stop me turn to stone... #

Johnny will be opening the show tonight,

along with superstar dancer Ella, who is playing Cat in the Hat.

-Give me a handshake.

-Let's do this!

Ella is well-known for her dancing talent

but tonight sees her taking on her first-ever singing role

and it's a big challenge.

I'm nervous about getting the lyrics right and the vocals right,

like, tune-wise and everything, but I just need to make sure

that I am focused and I am chilled out, and I'm calm.

Out on stage, year 11 Steph is running through her dance routine

for professional choreographer Pat Dee.

Four, five and six. Just let it flow.

In rehearsals, Steph has been pushed to the limit...

It's taking all my energy.

..and, tonight, Pat is expecting a lot from her lead dancer.

This number is a big role for her, yeah. She's the lead in it.

She has quite a lot of work to do, yeah.

I'm so happy I've been selected for the solo

and I just want to prove that I was worthy.

But, as the rehearsal continues,

there's one move Steph just can't get right.

Too far around. So just do that once more.

Get them shimmies in, round and round...

-Just a little bit iffy there, still, innit?

-Yeah.

The biggest challenge is a lift with me and Kaymon

where I drop into his arms.

Because he's moving at the same time as me spinning,

I have to make sure our timing's perfect.

And if it's not, then we miss the beat and it looks off,

and the next section's off.

Can you do that again?

And a one, two, three, four, five,

six and seven, and eight and one.

Still a little bit too far over. Just lift her up, yeah.

Practice time on stage is up and Pat still isn't happy.

It needs to come up another level, doesn't it, for that performance.

But don't overdo it.

The tech run for Pats could have gone better,

but I've got to get that sorted for the show,

so we've just got to get the style right,

and I think it's just personal errors that I made

that I need to sort out myself.

As if the pressure of performing wasn't bad enough,

Steph knows that tonight is her last performance for the school

as she's leaving to join a different stage school next year.

This is definitely my last day

and the last day of me going to the school

and being with the people that I've practically grown up with,

so I just hope I don't cry.

But will Steph be able to hold it together and go out with a bang?

# Cos it's all about tonight

# Yeah, the night is alive You can feel the heartbeat

# Let's just go with the flow... #

Showtime is just a few hours away

and the final few costumes are just arriving.

The show is fairytale theme,

which means some pretty fantastic outfits.

One pupil who can't wait to get into costume is Monifa.

Like, you better get back cos I'm coming your way.

Monifa is not only one of the best singers in year nine...

# You're the perfect man for me... #

..she's also one of the shiest.

It's nerve-racking getting up in front of the class.

You don't want to go wrong in case they think you're a bad singer.

This term she overcame her nerves and bagged a distinction

-in her singing exam.

-Monifa, where is Monifa?

Well done. Tremendous job!

And now she's landed a major role in the end-of-year show.

# Maybe I'm nasty, maybe I'm cruel But you're the biggest blame fool

# In the Jungle of Nool. #

Monifa is playing a diva kangaroo along with Bessy,

and together, they have to be the loudest

and most feisty performers on stage.

# Too... #

It's a big test for Monifa's confidence but the young singer

is hoping getting into costume will help her get into character.

We are going to try and look through wardrobe

so we can see what our kangaroo costume's like.

But there is one problem.

-What are you looking for, ladies, your costumes?

-Yes.

The only person who seems to really know about it is Miss Wilkin.

-Like all-in-one.

-All-in-one kangaroo costume?

-What colour's a kangaroo?

-Brown.

No-one knows where they are,

and literally everyone's got their costume except us.

It's hard to find your confidence when you can't find your costume

and, right now, Monifa's feeling it.

-Why are you stressing?

-I went to both wardrobes

and they've both not heard anything.

That's actually really bad.

I haven't even tried it on. What if it falls of?

Yeah, what if it doesn't fit you?

It's really annoying, so hopefully, it's here by the end of the day.

Another pupil with wardrobe worries is Tyler.

He's just received his costume

but he's not exactly over the moon with it.

Are you being serious?

Tyler is playing Shrek

in the school's version of Shrek the musical.

# Keep your big, bright Beautiful world... #

Reece is playing his sidekick Donkey.

# Don't let me go... #

And, together, they'll be closing tonight's show

with some huge vocal numbers.

Tyler's Shrek is not going to be green like in the films

but right now, the colour of his costume

is the least of Tyler's worries.

HE LAUGHS

Are you... Are you s...

I can't wear this. Are you joking? Are you being completely serious?

You look like you've got a fat suit on!

I think you should stuff it with pillows or something.

That looks... That doesn't look that bad.

It looks better with the shirt on.

If the costume's not right, then all you're doing is...

It's just wearing clothes.

Feeling miffed, Tyler heads to wardrobe to complain.

The problem is...

I'm really skinny.

Yeah, that is quite ridiculous.

To make matters worse for Tyler,

Reece's Donkey costume is going down a storm.

Wow!

-It's all about bending. That is so good.

-That is so good.

SHE LAUGHS

Reece's costume was made by his mum

and Tyler doesn't look too happy about how good it looks.

-Your mum done that, yeah?

-Yeah.

-Wow.

I've just seen Reece's outfit which is actually amazing.

Look at your costume and then look at mine, and tell me if I'm cool.

Don't, don't worry.

Awww! I think he's upset.

It's not looking too good for Tyler or Monifa right now.

Will they get the costumes they want in time?

Out on stage, the crew are getting set for the dress rehearsal,

a final run-through of the whole show

where Karen gets to see everything performed full-out.

It's stressful for all of the performers,

but particularly Georgia,

whose position in the show is not yet 100% secure.

# So it's time to... #

Georgia is due to be playing the role of Shrek's mum,

but in a recent rehearsal, she fell apart...

You've lost it totally today. What's happened?

-..and almost lost her role to Steph.

-# Listen, son, you're growing... #

Georgia knows Karen will be watching her closely

in today's dress rehearsal.

I am concerned about Georgia at the moment.

I know she is capable of doing it,

but if nerves get the better of her, that's when it becomes a problem.

Obviously, I'm going to have to just show Karen I can do it,

and I do know what I'm doing.

If Georgia does slip up, Karen is ready to take drastic action.

If it doesn't work for her today,

-I would prefer to replace her with Stephanie.

-Possible replacement Steph

is backing Georgia to hang on to the role.

I just hope she doesn't feel nervous today.

The Shrek mum number is just seconds away.

So can Georgia control her nerves or will Karen kick her out of the cast,

just hours before showtime?

# Listen, son You're growing up so quickly... #

It's not a great start.

Her voice is shaking and she's not holding the notes.

# Bigger by the day

# Although we want you here

# The rules are very clear... #

But, as the song continues,

she starts to let go and really gets into character.

# So it's time to go away

# It's a big, bright Beautiful world

# With possibilities everywhere

# And just around the bend

#There is a friend or two

# But not for you... #

Georgia has given it her best shot.

Now she'll have to wait till the end of dress

to see if she still has her part.

Last to show Karen their routine in full is Mimi and Jade.

They're playing bird girls

in a difficult routine called Amazing Maisie.

# I was once a plain little bird like you, kid... #

We've worked really hard, like, getting everything perfect,

the acting, the singing and, like, all the positions and stuff.

# Oh, my word, this is wonderful!

# Second, third Wow, I'm colourful!

# What a bird... #

We've worked so hard on it, I think.

It's been such an emotional roller coaster.

# Amayzing Gertrude

# Just look at the tail she is sporting... #

It's also a big number for the backing dancers

like 14-year-old Molly-Jo.

Tonight I'm going to get it bang on.

I practised like mad with the girls. We're going to get it.

# ..meeeeeeeeeee! #

The dress-run is over.

Showtime is only one hour away,

and Karen wants to speak to the whole cast.

Can you tell everyone they need to be up here now?

Come on, guys, don't saunter. Run!

And the feedback is not good.

OK, I have one major note that I need to give first and foremost.

Make your performance bigger.

It should be larger than life,

totally, totally over the top,

owning the stage.

Nobody did today.

Nobody did.

Absolutely appalling.

Karen feels everyone's energy is too low and, in particular,

she's singling out the bird girl routine.

Shocking, bird girls. Absolutely shocking.

Energy, energy, energy.

Some of you were here today.

That's how you were, some of you. Molly-Jo, you were one of them.

That's how you walked across the stage.

It's tough criticism to take.

But what does this all mean for Georgia?

Georgia, the only thing I'm going to say...

Today was one of the best you've done it. Well done, Georgia.

APPLAUSE

And that now - we've got to build on that,

because that was fabulous what you did today.

It's a great result for Georgia.

It was my last chance, so I'm just happy right now.

Georgia may be happy, but down on stage,

tough teacher Charleen has called her cast back together.

OK, quick! Let's go one more time.

She's spent months choreographing her Wicked Witch routine

with lead dancer Mia.

So, Mia, you have to hit here. Five, six, seven, and a one, two...

Charleen wasn't happy with what she saw in the dress rehearsal

and is using every last second to get it right.

Make sure you're in line. Concentrate.

No more messing around. Stop talking!

Outside, the audience is starting to arrive.

The crowd of casting agents and choreographers

are looking for big talent.

Every performer knows this is a huge opportunity to impress.

The countdown to showtime is on.

I'm scared and stressed and scared and...

nervous, and excited, and every emotion under the sun.

If you could just step into this for me.

The costume isn't ready just yet.

So what we can do is just literally unpick that, cut that off.

But it's getting done as quickly as possible.

I felt a bit bad before, when Karen was like, "You did a bit rubbish."

Don't take it personally, but we'll all be fine. You'll be fine.

Yeah, I guess.

I'm feeling very scared.

Have a fantastic show. Be safe, all right?

And concentrate. Have a good show. Go, go, go!

PA: 'Kindly take your seats

'as the performance will begin in three minutes.'

That was the three-minute call, so we have to be on stage.

So all the nerves are building in

but when I hit that stage platform...

Bam! All gone. So here we go. Here we go!

Come on!

-Are you nervous? Honestly?

-I'm just really nervous.

-Don't be.

OK, guys, this is the one, last one. Let's do it, guys!

SCREAMING AND WHOOPING

Go, go, go, go, go!

After months of preparations,

it's finally time for Johnny and Ella to open the show.

# Oh, I can see that you've got quite a mind for your age

# Why, one think and you drag me right onto the stage

# Now I'm here, there's no telling what may ensue

# With a cat such as me and a thinker like you

# Seuss!

# Just think!

# Oh, the things you can think

# Think and wonder and dream Far and wide as you dare

# Oh, the things you can think

# When your thinks have run dry In the blink of an eye

# There's another think there!

# If you open your mind Oh, the thinks you will find

# Lining up to get loose

# Oh, the things you can think When you think about Seuss

# Seuss, Seuss, Seuss

# Seuss, Seuss, Seuss

# Seuss, Seuss, Seuss

# Seuss, Seuss, Seuss

# Seuss! #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

It's a brilliant opening to the show

and now the other students get their moment in the spotlight.

# Ha, laughed a voice Ha, laughed some others... #

Max, and fellow monkeys Luca and Ross,

cause havoc as the mischievous Wickersham brothers.

# He's the biggest blame fool in the Jungle of Nool

# And monkeys like us should know

Hannah is fabulously over-the-top as the mayor's wife...

# Picture the tiniest houses and grocery stores

# Who... #

..and Johnny shines in his big performance.

# Anything's...

# Anything's...

# Anything's possible. #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

But how will shy singer Monifa perform?

Backstage, both girls finally have their kangaroo costumes.

We're really relieved and, yeah, they're not that bad.

We thought they were going to be much worse than this.

I'm glad we have our costume. I feel like more of my character

cos now I'm all in brown and I feel like a kangaroo now.

Monifa may be feeling like a kangaroo,

but she's not yet feeling 100 percent confident.

I want tonight to go really well but I'm also quite nervous,

cos my mum, sister, brother and my uncle are in the crowd.

So it's really nerve-racking

and they're right at the front so I'll be able to see them.

I want it to go well, so I just need to be confident.

So, can Monifa find her inner diva and own the stage?

# Humpf, humpfed a voice

# 'Twas a sour kangaroo

# And the young kangaroo in her pouch said

# Humpf!

# Too

# Why that speck is as small as the head of a pin

# Why, a person on that? There never has been!

-# A-ha, ha-ha ha!

-LAUGHTER

# You're the biggest blame fool in the Jungle of Nool

# And I don't care who I tell

# Maybe I'm nasty, maybe I'm cruel

# But you're the biggest blame fool in the Jungle of Nool. #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Monifa's blown the crowd away with her huge vocal and sassy attitude.

Woo-hoo!

-That was awesome. That was amazing.

-Thank you.

-You killed it.

The show was amazing. Everything went really well.

Literally, I just went...

I think I found the confidence I was looking for.

Monifa may have found her confidence,

but bird girls Mimi, Jade and Molly-Jo couldn't be more anxious.

Tonight, I've got my dad, my mum and my sister coming.

My mum's come all the way from Manchester, so...

I want to do good for them.

After being singled out by Karen,

can they pull their routine together and deliver onstage?

# Poor little Gertrude

# A sorry sight

# Well, I'm going to take you under my wing

# And, baby, you'll be all right

# Amazing Mayzie

# All the birds are whistling at me now

# Amazing Mayzie

# Baby, that's...

Molly-Jo and the bird girls are dancing in time

and giving it everything.

Now it's Jade's turn to take centre stage.

# Amazing Gertrude

# Just look at the tail she is sporting

# Amazing Gertrude

# Thank you, Dr Dake. #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

-Amazing!

-Oh, God, that was so good!

-You were so good.

-No, you were so good.

It was perfect, literally. That was the best I've ever done it. Ever.

I'm so excited!

It's over and I'm just really happy and I hope...

I think it went really well.

Getting criticised by Karen really helped me to focus a lot more

and just basically show me what game I had to play.

As the bird girls celebrate,

Wicked Witch dancer Mia is at the side of stage.

Earlier, choreographer Charleen tore the routine apart,

and the criticism is weighing heavily on Mia's mind.

I hope I do her proud tonight, hopefully.

SHE SIGHS

This is it. Woo!

Can Mia and the rest of the dancers finally nail their hip-hop routine?

# I wanna party to my last breath

# Till there ain't no air in my lungs left

# Let's get this party started

# Let's get this party started

# Let's get this party started. #

APPLAUSE

Mia and her dancers have smashed the routine

and as it's the halfway point in the show,

the whole cast of Seussical have time for a mini celebration.

'I thought it went amazingly. I really gave it my all.

'I think I nailed the routine.'

I hope I nailed the routine. I hope Charleen's proud of me.

Yeah! Woo-woo-woo!

I love school! Woo!

On stage, the show kicks off again

with a medley of fabulous dance routines.

And last on the bill will be Steph's Pat Dee number.

It's an emotional time for Steph.

She's chosen to go to a different stage school next year,

so this is the last time she'll perform with all of her friends.

It's just kind of the end of an era

and it's going to be really hard to say goodbye.

In rehearsal, Steph couldn't get her lay-back move right.

But can she do it now, when it really matters?

APPLAUSE

Here comes the lay-back.

And she nails it.

And Pat Dee is finally impressed.

I'm really pleased with them.

Yeah, lifted me up, I saw the energy and Steph was fantastic.

But, backstage, Steph can't hide her emotions any longer.

I'm really sad that it's over but it's been a really good experience.

It's up to Gran now to comfort her.

-Hello, darling.

-Hello.

Grandma cried.

-Wonderful, wonderful!

-Thank you.

I just want to see her all the time.

All the time. She just dances so beautifully.

The end-of-year show is almost over.

It's just down to the cast of Shrek to bring it all home.

Tyler's fat costume is finally ready, but is he?

'It's showtime and I've got butterflies in my stomach cos

'I always do before I go on stage.'

'We're hoping that everything falls together.'

First up, it's Reece's comedy donkey routine,

but will it get any laughs from the audience?

# You don't know what it's like to be considered a freak

# Well, maybe you do... #

LAUGHTER

# That's right We've got to stick together

# Whaddaya say?

# You're not responding... #

LAUGHTER

The crowd are loving Reece and Tyler's comedy timing.

LAUGHTER

# Don't let me g-g-g-g-g-g-g-ooooo!

# Wow!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

And after a confident performance from Georgia...

# It's a big, bright Beautiful world... #

..it's on to Tyler's big solo to close the show.

# That's who I'd be

# That's who I'd be

# A big, bright, beautiful world

# But not for me. #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

With the show over, it's party time.

WHOOPING

SCREAMING

I love you!

You did it! I am so proud of you.

And the pupils can't wait

to celebrate with their family and friends.

When I watch Tyler, I feel very, very emotional, very, very proud.

My nan brought me flowers.

He's done amazing.

He always put 110% in everything that he does.

Johnny did really well today. We're really proud and excited.

Just amazing.

She was really, really amazing.

I didn't know she had so much talent in her.

-Group hug!

-Yayyy!

You we amazing!

She's just so good!

They've worked so, so hard, and I hope they enjoyed the experience

as much as I enjoyed watching them. It was a thrill.

And, with that, the summer term is officially over.

When you're reaching for the top,

sometimes it can feel like you're never going to make it.

It's only when you try that you'll see just how high you can go.

This is all just life at the School For Stars.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd