Episode 7 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.

We're back inside one of the most famous stage schools in Britain.

Can we take it from the top, please? And give it EVERYTHING.

We'll be taking you behind the scenes

as we follow all the highs and lows of the summer term...

It's got to go off, big time!

..and show you what life's really like

for those heading for the big time.

'Got to keep going.'

Even when you're sitting down on a chair, it never stops.

This is the School For Stars.

Coming up - Georgia struggles to take centre stage...

That's not good enough for me. Sort it, otherwise I will have to.

-..Reece has fun donkeying around...

-I thought he was fabulous.

..and exam time means double trouble for Duke and Joe.

It's going to be lethal in there.

The pupils at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts

are in training for stardom.

Be it in dancing, singing or acting.

Ten-year-old twins Duke and Joe, who train at the school on Saturdays,

have big ambitions to conquer the music industry.

# You're the top

# You're the Coliseum... #

The twins may look identical

but their personalities are very different.

Duke loves being the centre of attention...

-All right, mate?

-..but brother Joe feels the opposite.

Do you want me to perform it now?

Standing up before the whole class in singing is really nerve-racking.

'It's quite strange singing to someone

'who's never heard you before.'

Having a best friend is amazing

but there is nothing quite like having a twin.

Duke is a really good brother cos he sticks up for me

but sometimes he can be a bit annoying!

It's good to have a brother cos there's always someone to help you.

Joe knows he's going to need all the help he can get from his twin.

They have a grade three singing exam coming up

and Duke, the more confident of the two,

-is going to have to lead the way.

-Well done.

Joe, come on.

Today it's the twins' mock -

a practice run-through of the exam in costume.

Let's do this.

But the twins will need to perform separately and Joe is anxious.

-I'm really nervous. Aren't you?

-I'm not nervous.

I don't like the thought of me failing.

You can't really fail a mock exam though,

you can do badly but you can't fail.

Duke is clearly looking forward to performing

but Joe seems far from relaxed.

I think I'm going to have a kitten!

I'm so nervous.

Don't have a hairball, Joe!

But, listen, it's going to be OK because...you practise at home

and you're REALLY good. So, like...

Just imagine I'm at home?

Yeah, just imagine you're at home and no-one's there.

Well, that's quite hard, actually. But, yeah, just try, yeah?

-Oh, it's going to be lethal in there!

-No, it isn't.

Joe loves performing at home with Duke

but he knows if they're going to have a career in music together

he has to conquer his nerves and sing in front of strangers,

just like his brother can.

This is a big deal to me because I want to do everyone proud

and I think it will give me more confidence.

I want to get it over with, Duke.

Nothing to worry about, apart from you might fail.

But I don't know what's going to happen.

I've never seen my brother like this before, he's like, "Ahh!"

'This is a mock exam,'

I'm dreading how he's going to be like at the exam.

He's going to be like, "AHH!"

I'm nervous.

-Joe.

-Yep.

Show time.

Duke gets called in first.

OK, come on in. Put your props down on that table.

Duke's eager to get started but the day could be a disaster

if Joe can't pull himself together before his turn arrives.

Students at this school have a lot to cope with

but sometimes it's things outside of school that make life really tough.

15-year-old Estelle has found recent events at home hard to cope with.

Her dad is very sick

and coming to terms with it is the hardest thing she's ever had to do.

I've always been really close with my dad and it was last year in May...

'He came down with this brain damage'

and now it's got to the stage where he can't even remember who I am.

'It's hard, it is really hard.'

I never, kind of, thought I'd see my dad in this state.

Especially at the age I am.

Since finding out,

Estelle has understandably been finding it hard to focus

but she seems determined not to let her grades slip.

I'd do anything to even just, kind of, rewind the days I had with him.

'It would make everything so different,

'but I've just got to put my head down and make him proud.'

Cos I know what he expected of me,

so I have the standards all laid out.

One, two and a three, four and five, six.

In a few days Estelle has her modern dance exam

and she's determined to put in a strong performance.

One, two, three...

So she's called in good friend Reece to help choreograph the routine.

One, two, three, one, two, three and one.

'I always want to be there for Estelle'

and cos I know that she's gone through a hard time

I really want to pay her back, with everything that she's done for me.

Estelle has chosen to perform the routine

to a song very close to her heart.

My dad actually helped me choose the song

that I'm going to be performing in my modern exam.

He introduced it to me just before he fell sick.

# Don't want to waste the weekend... #

So it's a good way to, kind of, let my emotions out during the dance

instead of crying all the time.

-You know you're relating yourself to your dad and stuff?

-Yeah.

Make a story with it.

So the first bit, think about just trying to pick yourself up.

Once you find your meaning for every move and why you're doing that move

it's going to come so much easier, trust me.

If you think of all the hard moves

as someone trying to stop you from feeling sorry for yourself.

So you're feeling sorry for yourself

and someone's trying to break you out of it, do you know what I mean?

You're doing really, really well. I'm really, really proud of you.

I actually am.

And, with Reece onside, Estelle couldn't be in better hands.

Up on floor eight,

ten-year-old Duke's mock singing exam is almost over.

# Chim chiminy chim-chim

# Cheree chim cheroo. #

Good lad, that's really good.

-Just remember to smile in those numbers.

-Yep.

-Yes?

-Yep.

OK, right, shall we see your brother now? Yes.

Joe-Joe.

But where's Joe?

Joe?

Duke knows his brother better than anyone,

-so he knows where to find him.

-Joe, come on!

Joe's terrified but, as always, he has Duke to help calm his nerves.

Oh, I'm nervous, I'm nervous, I'm nervous, I'm nervous...

-No, you're not nervous...

-Yes, I am.

Come on, now.

Duke's doing his best to reassure his brother

but in there on his own, will Joe be able to shake off his nerves

and show just what he can do?

You going to stay out here?

-Erm, yeah.

-You stay out here. Sit down there.

Right, here we go. Ready? Yes?

# You're the top

# You're a Waldorf salad... #

OK, vocally, no problem.

-What's so important about this mirror?

-I have no idea.

I'm not sure either cos that's what you're singing into.

-Where's the examiner going to be?

-There.

Joe must look towards the examiner if he's to do well.

And one, two!

# You're the top... #

OK, you're doing it again.

-Why are you looking at me?

-Ah!

-OK.

-Here.

And one, two.

# You're the top

# You're a Waldorf salad... #

Much better, much better, yes?

This is not important here,

the lady that's going to be sat there tomorrow is.

Finally, Joe gets it. So it's on to his next song.

Here we go.

# Love

# Love changes everything

# Handsome faces... #

But has he got the confidence to give it everything he's got?

# Nothing in the world will ever be the same. #

# Love will never, never let you be. #

And you can go up there, so let's do it.

# Love will never, never let you be the same. #

That's good, really good.

For someone your age to be singing that is pretty amazing.

Joe's starting to loosen up

and after a quick change he really finds his stride in his final song.

# Whe-e-e-re

# Whe-e-e-re is love? #

That was really good, that was really good, well done.

You should be really pleased with yourself.

This may not have been the real exam,

but Joe overcame his nerves and he wants to celebrate with his brother.

-Were you nervous in there?

-No, not really.

Told you so. Whoa!

I feel really happy and really excited.

Yeah!

It's going to give me really good confidence now.

Yes!

It's a great result for Joe,

but can he carry this confidence into the real exam tomorrow?

The date for the end-of-year show is drawing closer.

While Lower Juniors are rehearsing their numbers for Seussical...

# Nobody here, and the feeling of fear... #

..the Upper Juniors are working on their big routine,

a performance of songs inspired by West End smash Shrek The Musical.

Tyler is playing lead ogre Shrek and Reece has the part of Donkey.

Today's the first time Karen will see Reece tackle the role.

I feel like this is one of the best parts that I've ever been given

because I feel like it's me all over

and I'm really grateful that I get to play this part.

It's definitely a comedy role,

so I hope that people laugh because if not it'll be a bit awkward.

# Hey, hey, hey, you got to let go

# Nobody's like me, I'm considered a freak

# May you just hear me out

# I might surprise you, I'm your friend

# To encourage, inspire you What do you say?

# You're not responding... #

Reece needn't have worried about playing a comic role, they love it.

# Don't let me go

# Don't let me go

# Don't let me go

# Don't let me go

# Don't let me go-go-go. #

CLAPPING AND CHEERING

Oh, I wish you were on stage doing that. Oh, you are!

Fantastic, well done.

Well done, Reece,

we can solve those funny bits in the vocal, that was great.

I have been practising that song for quite a while now.

As I'm getting older my voice is breaking

so it's quite hard to reach the high notes,

but Simon's going to work it out with me and I should be able to get them.

It was the first time Reece got up and performed in front of everyone

and I wouldn't expect anything less from Reece, ever the professional.

He just puts his heart and soul into everything that he does

and I thought he was fabulous.

Karen is obviously pleased with Reece's performance,

but can Estelle get the same reaction

as she goes into her mock dance exam?

Good friend Reece has helped choreograph the routine

and she'll be performing it to one of her dad's favourite songs.

< So, what's the music?

A Drop In The Ocean by Ron Pope.

-So what made you choose that piece?

-Dad's really ill at the moment.

SOBBING

She may be upset, but Estelle is determined to carry on.

# Just a drop in the ocean

# A change in the weather

# I was praying that you and me might end up together

# It's like fishing for rain as I stand in the desert

# But I'm holding you closer than most

# Cos you are my heaven...

# I don't wanna waste the weekend

# If you don't love me, pretend

# A few more hours then it's time to go

# As my train moves down the East Coast

# I wonder how you'll keep warm

# It's too late to cry, too broken so move on... #

It's an emotional performance and Miss Marlow is very impressed.

That choreography suits you very nicely,

it looks very good indeed.

Well done, Estelle, that's going to be good, excellent, bravo.

It seems having a good cry has really helped,

and all her friends are rooting for her.

'I've never had anything like that happen to me.'

I can only imagine how awful it must be.

'I'm really proud of her for handling it all so well.'

There's one person whose support Estelle couldn't have done without,

and she can't wait to tell him how it's gone.

It's not only exam time at the school, it's show time too.

After Reece's earlier success in rehearsals,

Karen's expectations are high.

Step 2, 3, 4, passion!

She's given head girl Georgia a shot at the role of Shrek's mum.

Guys, quiet, please, thank you.

Landing a lead role is a huge deal for Georgia.

There's so many talented people here,

everyone's so good.

Listening to everyone sing all the time, you're just like,

"Well, I'm not that good at all compared to them," or whatever.

But she'll need to be good if she's to hold on to the role

because Karen's also asked Georgia's friend Steph to learn the part

and only one of them can perform on the big night.

So let's run this section, please.

With the whole class watching the pressure is really on.

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

Georgia's singing alongside Lewis, who's playing Shrek's dad.

OK, let her go, your mum and dad don't sit like that, do they?

# For your trip... #

OK, we have to start that again, I'm really sorry.

Let's do it again, it's the worst I've seen it.

It's a terrible start for Georgia.

# Listen, son, you're growing up so quickly

# Growing up, bigger by the day... #

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

I don't know.

Act like a mummy and not a little girl.

Karen may seem harsh,

but taking criticism is all part of a performer's life.

If Georgia doesn't improve, she could lose the part.

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

There we go, big breath, and...

# Growing up, bigger by the day

# Although we want you here, the rules are very clear

# Now you're seven

# Now you're seven, so it's time to go away. #

OK, we need to stop there again.

OK, you need to think about what you're doing, OK?

That's not good enough for me.

Sort it otherwise I will have to. Steph, can you come in, please?

I have a choice of two, you need to get your head round this.

You're not a Lower Junior any more, Georgia.

It's a devastating blow for Georgia

and she can't even look as her friend Steph takes centre stage.

# Listen, son, you're growing up so quickly

To make matters worse,

Steph delivers a near-faultless performance.

# Goodbye, watch out for men with pitchforks... #

Georgia knows it could be the end of her starring role.

I just feel like I've let myself down and it just wasn't happening.

And it's not any easier for good friend Steph.

It was awkward for me because I wanted to be there

for her and it's hard going against a friend and it was just awkward.

All Georgia can do is wait for Karen to decide

if she's got the part or not.

Ten-year-old twins Duke and Joe are normally together 24/7,

but today their mum's brought them into school for their exam

in grade three singing, and they're going to have to perform alone

and in front of an examiner they've never met before.

While Duke isn't fazed by this, Joe's feeling nervous.

Today's going to be a really stressful day

because I really want to do well in this exam.

Good luck.

Duke's called in first.

Hi. Yeah, I'm Duke.

-Leaving Joe to sweat it out.

-I'm scared.

Waiting for his brother to come out feels like for ever.

That was really good.

Duke's exam seems to have gone well.

Don't be scared, yeah? She's really nice.

Now it's Joe's turn.

Duke clearly believes in him, but can Joe finally believe in himself?

One thing's certain - his twin is backing him all the way.

Hi, Joe.

Joe's not the only one with exam stress.

Estelle's modern dance exam is just minutes away,

so she's running through her routine one more time

to make sure it's perfect.

The main person I'll be thinking about

when I do this dance is definitely my dad.

I'm hoping that I will be able

to kind of convey these emotions within my dance.

After weeks of practising, it's time for Estelle

to show just what she can do.

Up on the eighth floor, Joe's exam is over.

And he's looking pretty pleased.

That was really good!

'When I was in there I felt really nervous'

and then when I sung, the nerves just disappeared.

You did really well and you didn't look at the side,

you looked in front of you. It was great!

# I wanna stay up all night and jump around

# Until we see the sun... #

I'm really proud of my brother. He did well and he got over his nerves.

Well done. Both of you, amazing.

I just feel really happy because my mum's proud of me,

my brother's proud of me and I'm proud of my brother

and I'm really happy with myself for doing well.

I want to eat loads of candy now.

The twins still have to wait for their results,

but at least the exam is over.

For Georgia, her toughest test yet is still to come.

Karen has decided to give her one more shot

at the role of Shrek's mum.

But can she prove she's the right girl for the part?

Mothers, over here, please, thank you very much.

If she messes up this time, good friend Steph will take the part

and Georgia's dreams of performing at the end-of-year show

will be over.

OK, I need to know what's happening here.

Nothing, I just sort of crumbled and went to pieces.

Right, OK. I know you have confidence issues but I was hoping

that was gone now from where it was in the Lower Juniors.

The problem I have is I have someone that is working on it

and getting stronger, and you seem to be getting weaker and weaker.

What you need to do is stop being Georgia on stage

and take on the persona of Mother.

And once you find that character, you will be able to develop her.

Karen knows if Georgia can get into character,

it will help with both her nerves and her performance.

So at the moment, she's the mother of Shrek.

-What is her name?

-Audrey.

Audrey. OK. Audrey's an ogre. She's got toothpaste up here,

dinner spilt down here, she's got a bean stain down here, OK?

Her hair is really messy, Georgia, OK?

It's all over the place, it's not like yours at all.

She would feel so messed-up and horrible, OK?

Oh, hi, Audrey.

There she is, I'm starting to see her now.

Georgia's starting to look like an ogre,

but can she find the confidence to perform like one?

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

# Growing up, bigger by the day... #

Has she got a runny nose?

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

Good girl.

Take a walk as Audrey. She's got an itchy bum.

She's not ladylike at all.

# Just around the bend there's a friend or two

# But not for you. #

Thank you. Lovely to meet you, Audrey.

At last, Georgia's embracing her inner ogre.

I know you can do it, otherwise I wouldn't have offered you the part.

So now bring Audrey to the table.

Georgia's part is safe, for now at least.

And good friend Steph is the first to congratulate her.

You were really good. The second time, you pulled it all together

-and you proved yourself.

-Thank you.

Don't worry, don't be worried.

It's a great result for Georgia, and with her exam over,

Estelle is smiling too.

The exam went really well.

It's the best that I've ever done it.

I feel really good actually.

I feel more relaxed, but at the same time really happy.

# Tonight

# We are young

# So I set the world on fire

# We can burn brighter

# Than the sun... #

It's a big day for ten-year-old twins Joe and Duke.

They'll find out how they did in their grade three exam for singing.

OK, guys, come on in.

Duke seemed to take it all in his stride,

but Joe was really nervous before the exam.

It's time to find out how the examiner rated their performances.

It's Duke the more confident twin's turn to find out first.

You got 90 out of 100, which is a distinction!

Oh, my!

HE SCREAMS EXCITEDLY

That's brilliant, Duke, excellent!

It's an amazing result for Duke.

But what about his more nervous brother Joe?

Ready?

You got 88 out of 100.

You also got a distinction!

HE SCREAMS

I got a distinction! I'm so excited!

I got 90 out of 100!

He got two marks more than me,

which he will be rubbing in my face once in a while.

I can't wait to tell Mum. She's going to be like....

-HE MIMICS CRYING

-"You did so well!"

It feels really good because the hard work paid off,

so I'm really pleased.

Yay! Woo-hoo!

Sometimes life can push you to the very edge.

But if you can keep your cool and face your fears,

there's no limit to what you can achieve.

Next time on School For Stars,

things don't get any easier for Estelle...

I just can't do it any more.

..Jordan gets a taste of the big time...

Mate, you were sick!

..and Karen loses patience with Max and Luca.

That is so lazy. I don't want to see you again

until you can put some work into it.

This is life at the School For Stars.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd