Former teachers and pupils of Bewdley High School (now renamed the Bewdley School) are eagerly anticipating the Bewdley Festival appearance of Lucy Cound and Christopher Key who both attended the school before training at Guildford School of Acting. It was quite obvious from their early appearances in school and other amateur productions that they were destined for artistic and commercial success in the theatre.

They are now both more used to the West End stage than a small festival venue, with numerous and varied television and theatre appearances. Among Lucy's credits is the leading role of Maria in the West End and UK tour of 'West Side Story'. Christopher's West End work has included 'The Beautiful Game', 'Jerry Springer the Opera', and 'Les Miserables' in which he has played the leading roles of Jean Valjean and Thenadier. Christopher is at present Resident Director of 'Avenue Q' and is soon to become Resident Director on the 25th Anniversary International Tour of 'Les Miserables'. Amazingly, Christopher and Lucy also find time to teach BTEC Performing Arts to four schools in the Dudley area.

Festival organisers are delighted to have been able to book them at last. They will be appearing on Monday 12th October with two other top West End performers, Nic Greenshields and Sherrie Pennington in 'Broadway to Bewdley', an evening of songs from the great musicals. A festival spokeswoman commented, "This show has been devised specially for Bewdley but I have seen all four actor/singers in similar shows. They all have great voices and I guarantee a wonderful evening. Audiences should prepare to be entranced, amused, excited, and at times moved almost to tears by these fine performers."

Tickets are available from the box office on 01905 611427, or in person from Bewdley Tourist Information Centre.