PROFESSIONAL performance artist, Ali Vale, has launched a new drama and singing school for budding musical theatre stars in Altrincham.

Ali holds a BA Honours Degree in Performance Art, has worked in major international and West End shows, as well as dancing tango alongside Madonna in Alan Parker’s movie ‘Evita’.

Little Voices is an award-winning national franchise, providing drama and singing lessons to children aged 4 to 18 in small groups of six to eight pupils.

Children work towards L.A.M.D.A. Musical Theatre and Communications Examinations, in which Little Voices has a 98 per cent success rate.

Ali will be joined by two Altrincham-based tutors, Liz Simmons and Kate Nelson.

Liz trained at Birmingham School of Acting and has been working professionally in theatre over the past 8 years as an actress and writer plus teaching Drama and Comedy to children of all ages.

Kate has a BA Honours in Popular Music Performance from The Royal Northern College of Music. She has performed in many venues including The Royal Albert Hall and works in schools and holiday clubs running singing workshops.

Jane Maudsley the professional singer who founded Little Voices 10 years ago, said: “We’ve long been planning a presence in Altrincham but we had to wait patiently for the right location and the right person to become available. Ali, Liz and Kate are the perfect trio of experienced teachers to launch what we see as a keystone operation for our business.”

Ali said: “We welcome children of all ages from the South Manchester area including Altrincham, Timperley, Hale, Hale Barns and Bowdon. We’re very excited to launch and provide an opportunity for local youngsters to get inspired by musical theatre, learn new skills and equip them with social confidence as they develop into young adults.”

The classes launch with three age groups:

* Mini Voices – lessons are 30 minutes and designed for 4 to 7 year olds.

* Little Voices – lessons are 45 minutes and designed for 7 to 12 year olds.

* Voices – lessons are 45 minutes and designed for 12 to 18 year olds.

The classes will be based at St George's Parish Centre on Church Walk in Altrincham WA14 4TT and a no obligation free trial lesson is being offered to local children on February 22. Parents should apply via www.littlevoices.org.uk/locations/altrincham