A West End musical theatre star has returned to his roots and is set to inspire a whole new generation of performers.
He has been hosting high-energy Hamilton and Mary Poppins themed workshops.
Peter Houston Reid from Cumbria attended part-time theatre school Razzamataz from 2005 to 2007 before going on to train full time and landing roles in numerous West End shows including Hamilton, Matilda, Mary Poppins, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, We Will Rock You, Legally Blonde & A Chorus Line.
He is now returning to Razzamataz Carlisle to give current students the chance to experience some of the excitement of the West End musical scene with workshops devised from the shows he has been performing.
Mr Reid said: "I’m delighted to be returning to Razzamataz to teach current students work from shows I adore.
“I loved my time at Razzamataz and attending classes in dance, drama and singing prepared me for my life as a performer by giving me lots of varied styles, from musical theatre to straight acting.
"When you're in the industry it’s better to have many strings to your bow. It also focused on the passion and love of performing, which inspired me to pursue it as a career."
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Principal of Razzamataz Carlisle Debbie Mitchell is excited about welcoming Peter back to the school. She said: “Working with industry professionals is a big part of what we do at Razzamataz and it is especially fantastic to have a past student return and show how much they have achieved.
"This will be incredibly inspirational for our students and shows what hard work and dedication can lead to.”
Since launching in 2000, past students of Razzamataz have gone on to have a great deal of success, working in the fields of music, dance, drama and presenting.
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But it is not just about those that want to work in the industry, Razzamataz is equally proud of being a theatre school that supports and nurtures each student whatever their ability.
Ms Mitchell added: "We are passionate about the benefits of performing arts for all children and believe it is not only for those that want to go on and make a career on the stage.
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"Performing arts stimulates all children’s creativity while improving their confidence and we have seen children overcome extreme shyness during the years."
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