A DANCER who played the lead role in two UK tours of Hairspray The Musical has held a masterclass.

Freya Sutton shared her skills and expertise with children in a fun-filled West End workshop.

The 27-year-old is stepping into the shoes of her mum Debbie to take over the Sutton Stage School she founded 25 years ago.

It is a dream come true for the gifted performer who now wants to pass on her experience to young dancers.

Freya, from Castle, said: "It was so lovely to share my professional performance experiences with students in our studio and kick off the West End workshops.

"It went so well! We sweated a lot but had so much fun.

"I taught children the dance break from You Can't Stop The Beat."

Parents were able to watch the routine afterwards in the newly-refurbished studio on Station Road in Northwich town centre.

A question and answer session gave youngsters an insight into the career of a professional dancer.

Freya, a former Antrobus Primary School and Knutsford High School pupil, performed all over the country alongside ITV's Benidorm star Tony Maudsley and TV personality Claire Sweeney.

She won a scholarship to the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London when she was 19.

“After graduating I got my first job in Hairspray,” said Freya. “It was amazing. It was really strenuous doing eight shows in six days. I was only off stage for 11 minutes in two-and-a-half hours.

“Everyone thinks it is glamorous but you have to be so disciplined and have commitment and stamina.

“Performing is epic. You have to love what you do."

The musical was set in Baltimore in 1962 and Freya played the role of Tracy Turnblad, a girl with big hair and a big heart set on a mission to follow her dreams and dance her way onto national TV.

She is now fulfilling her own personal ambition.

“I could have gone on performing but it has always been a dream to have a studio," added Freya.

Freya has invited performers from the West End she met whilst on stage to host a series of workshops.

Rhiannon Chesterman is running a Grease the Musical workshop on Sunday, October 28 from 10am to 12 noon. Admission is £20.

To book e-mail suttonstageschool@hotmail.com.