WHEN West End star Sheridan Smith was forced to pull out of hit musical Funny Girl it was former Bournemouth theatre school student Natasha Barnes that the producers turned to.

Her brilliant portrayal of lead character Fanny brought instant fame and shone a spotlight on her training at the Big Little Theatre School.

And now's your chance to see just how this highly-regarded school prepares its students for a demanding career in the theatre.

For three nights next month its company of more than 150 talented young performers will present Broadway Showtunes at Bournemouth's Pavilion Theatre.

The show features songs from a wide range of musicals including Evita, The Witches of Eastwick, Calamity Jane, Mamma Mia and Mack and Mabel.

Four of the cast will take up places at the prestigious Arts Educational Schools London this September with others heading for the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Millennium, Urdang and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).

This is the 16th consecutive year Big Little has staged such a show and tickets are selling fast for the performances, from Thursday July 14 to Saturday July 16.

The school was founded in 1996 by Michelle Guy and Colin Billing and Michelle told the Daily Echo there will be a new set this year before the school starts to focus on next year's 21st birthday celebrations.

Speaking of Natasha Barnes, she added: "It is a huge responsibility to help mould a prodigious talent but I believe we just connected from the start.

"Everyone who has worked with or watched Natasha knew they were seeing a star in the making."

Tickets for Broadway Showtunes are available in person from the BIC or Pavilion box offices, by calling 0844 576 3000 or go to bhlivetickets.co.uk