Keith Jack starts dance school

Scottish reality TV star Keith Jack is teaming up with his dancer girlfriend to open their very own dance school.

The Any Dream Will Do singing sensation hopes to help out fellow youngsters following in his footsteps by launching a stage school.

The 21 year-old, and his girlfriend Alana Macfarlane, are organising the classes for kids and teenagers at the Morningside Dance Academy, in Edinburgh. And as well as coaching dance moves Keith will also be offering inside advice on breaking into the industry.

All children welcome
Places at the stage school are filling up fast with everyone from the ages of eight to 18 welcome to join regardless of their experience.

Ms Macfarlane said the duo were keen to increase opportunities for young performers in Scotland and are considering taking their stage school around the country. She said: “It’s really exciting to be able to give something back to kids. I know when I was growing up there was not a lot of opportunities or advice going about. “Hopefully the kids will have lots of fun and learn something new.”

Together
Keith is also about to launch his second album along with getting ready for a UK-wide tour while juggling his duties at the dance school. His girlfriend Alana, 21, studied dance at an Edinburgh college and already gives dance lessons to youngsters in the capital.

The pair have been together for just over a year after falling for each other during Keith’s last
tour when Alana was one of the Dalkeith-born star’s dancers. Keith said: “After everything I’ve done, I thought it would be nice to give something back and help young people learn more about the industry.

Teaching
“Obviously, it’s about coming along and learning. I thought I could also help by talking about what my life’s been like and teaching them how to deal with an audition. “There’s nothing worse than being able to song and dance, then turning up to an audition and having no idea what to do.”

The classes will take place from 19 to 23 October, between 10am and 4pm. Contact macfarlanejack@googlemail.com for more details.

In theatre: Little Shop of Horrors

Down and out Skid Row floral assistant Seymour becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood.

Soon “Audrey II” grows into an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore offering him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite… but as Audrey II’s hungry demands increase, all that Seymour holds dear is threatened as the plant’s sinister agenda for global domination is revealed…

This family-friendly stage musical is written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman (who redefined the animated musical genre with Disney favourites The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Enchanted). Featuring an incredible animatronic man-eating plant, this critically acclaimed new production is bristling with great songs and laugh-out-loud lyrics.

To be seen in the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh from 28 September to 3 October.

Wanted: Dorothy and Toto

Lord Lloyd-Webber's latest Saturday night talent show will search for a girl to play Dorothy and a dog to play Toto in The Wizard Of Oz, the BBC says.

Winners of the programme will star in a West End production of the musical. It follows BBC One's I'd Do Anything, Any Dream Will Do and How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? which also found musical stars. The new programme, also called The Wizard Of Oz, will again be presented by Graham Norton.

Lord Lloyd-Webber, 61, said the previous talent shows he had made with the BBC had provided an incredible shot in the arm for musical theatre in Britain". The search for Dorothy will begin with auditions across the UK in early 2010 with the programme airing later in the year. Lord Lloyd-Webber's fellow judges have yet to be announced.

Must see: Blood Brothers!

Written by Willy Russell, the legendary BLOOD BROTHERS tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences.

The incredible score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True. Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning BLOOD BROTHERS, which, having opened in 1988 to tremendous acclaim continues to enjoy standing ovations at every devastating performance.

For the first time in Fife, from 28th September – 3rd October at the Alhambra Theatre in Dunfermline.

Don´t miss: Chicago

'Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery…all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts'…so begins the international award winning musical, Chicago starring Gary Wilmot as Billy Flynn and Emma Barton (EastEnders) as Roxie Hart.

Based on real life events back in the roaring 1920’s, nightclub singer Roxie Hart shoots her lover and along with Cell Block rival, double-murderess Velma Kelly, they fight to keep from death row with the help of smooth talking lawyer, Billy Flynn.

Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, Chicago’s sexy, sassy score includes All That Jazz and Razzle Dazzle. With 6 Tony, 2 Olivier, 1 Grammy, 2 Bafta and 6 Academy Awards, Chicago truly is 'The sharpest, slickest show on the block' (The Times).

When: 5 October - 10 October
Where: Glasgow King's Theatre
More information: check the website.

In theatre: Beauty and the Beast!

One of the most popular and enchantingly romantic stories ever told comes to life in Disney’s multi-award winning musical Beauty & the Beast.

Seen by over 25 million people, one of the biggest musicals of all time brings to life the beloved “tale as old as time” with a burst of theatrical magic.Nominated for nine Tony awards including Best Musical, this eye-popping musical has been wowing audiences world-wide with record breaking runs in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Sydney, Tokyo and London’s West End.

Be our guest and bring someone you love to experience the enchantment of an unforgettable performance of Disney’s classic musical.

When: 28 September - 3 October
Where: Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre
More information on website.

Now playing: Whisky Galore The Musical!

A new musical adaptation of the film 'Whisky Galore'. Part of Pitlochry's Homecoming season that features six plays by Scottish authors.

Performances run by a daily repertoire system, with a different show every night of the week.

Please see website for timetable.