Birds of a Feather star in flying visit to acting academy (From Echo)

Birds of a Feather star in flying visit to acting academy

8:00pm Wednesday 20th March 2013 in Local News

BIRDS of a Feather legend Pauline Quirke has spoken of her delight at returning to the Cliffs and nurturing the next generation of stars in Southend.

Taking time out from the demands of her 14-week tour performing the latest Birds of a Feather theatre show across the country, the beloved actress flew on down to Belfairs High School in Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, to watch the young performers of her Academy of Performing Arts in action.

Budding actors and actresses got the rare opportunity to quiz their infamous benefactor on her impressive 46-year career and seek advice on how to accomplish their future ambitions.

Pauline said: “Being on tour has given me a great opportunity to visit all the children at my academies and find out more about their aspirations.

“Being a parent myself for 28 years, I really do feel these are a great place for children to build confidence and meet new friends in a fun environment, but also to get a good start in learning about all the hard work, professionalism and rehearsing that goes into a performing arts career.”

Youngsters are currently rehearsing for their upcoming show Fright Night, in which pupils will get the chance to perform in Her Majesty’s Theatre in Haymarket, London, which currently stages one of the West End’s biggest shows, Phantom of the Opera.

Emma Huet, principal of the academy, said: “Having Pauline’s presence here really has been a boost for the kids and shows that the people at the top really do care about how they are doing.”
 

This week Pauline has been busy entertaining audiences at the Cliffs Pavilion, resuming her role as feisty Sharon for the theatre adaption of the hit TV sitcom Birds of a Feather.
 

Selling out shows all week, she said the welcome has been warm in Southend.
 

Pauline joked: “If Birds of a Feather doesn’t do well in Essex then we know we’ve got a problem!
 

“It’s going fantastically and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed coming back here again. The audiences here have been wonderful and I always love being by the sea. The other night was quite special as well because it was Linda’s birthday so we got the audience all to sing to her."

For more information on the academy visit www.pqacademy.com

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