BUDDING stars of the stage and screen get a taste of fame academy when they showcase their talents on the professional stage under the expert eye of ex-Coronation Street actress Denise Welch.

Her own two sons also get the chance to perform when Denise, who lives in Wilmslow, comperes a special one-off show at the the Lowry, Salford Quays,

The landmark show will give youngsters from Wilmslow's Sargent Academy of Performing Arts (Sapa) the chance to put their talents to the test.

Set up by Wilmslow High School music teacher Gilly Sargent the company nurtures the talents of local children from 4 to 16 years old. Among the fledgling entertainers is Denise's four-year-old son Louis.

Denise said: "He is with a group called The Little Stars, who are performing three songs and he has to do ballet as part of one of the songs."

His dancing role is fitting as Louis' father Tim Healy is currently appearing in the West End production of Billy Elliot. Based on the hit film where a boy dreams of becoming a ballet dancer in a North East gripped by a gritty miners' strike, Louis is said to be entranced by the show.

Denise said: "He Loves it. The show is three hours long, so it's a lengthy time for a four-year-old to sit and watch but he knows every line in every song and is transfixed throughout."

Sapa meets every Sunday at Gorsey Bank Primary School, and will be sharing the stage with children from the school.

Mrs Sargent said: "It's a mix of singing and dancing. There will be classical performances, a ballet piece, modern dancing from Footloose and Car Wash, and what's really brilliant is the lads are taking part in Footloose as well as doing their own performance, A Town Called Malice."

The performances will be backed by live music and wind trio Intriplicate will also be playing. And Mrs Sargant was thrilled with her celebrity backing. She said: "I'm over the moon, she's been incredibly supportive of the whole thing, coming along to watch rehearsals and learning the ballet parts to help Louis."

Denise's elder son Matthew is also appearing in the show singing one of the numbers. After Sapa's big show Denise's next role will be presenting Channel 4's Richard and Judy Show.

The show takes place at 7pm on Sunday, June 26. Tickets are available from 0161 612 3287.