Musical duo Same Difference open up studio in Portsmouth

The musical duo held an official opening on Saturday for their new studio in Buckland.

SD Studios is an expansion on their Pop Academy, which teaches youngsters aged seven to 16 to dance, perform and sing.

The pair have been busy taking part in shows and pantomimes since appearing on The X Factor in 2007.

They finished third on the fourth series of the popular talent show.

But now they are looking forward to getting their studio, off Sultans Road, up and running.

Sarah said: ‘In the past few years we have been spending a lot of time touring the country and performing as Same Difference.

‘I wanted to do something a little bit different and we saw this studio space was for sale and decided to take it over.

‘We have spent the past four and five months getting it ready.’

Sarah added it was important to her to open the new studios in her home town.

‘There is so much talent in Portsmouth and there is such a community feeling in the city,’ she said.

‘It was massively important to me to open the studio here.

‘I grew up here and I want to help and encourage others to learn how to sing and dance. There isn’t an area which has the community atmosphere which Portsmouth has.’

Members of the Pop Academy were also excited by the move. Olivia Truesdell, 12, said: ‘The new studio is amazing. I am so happy for Sarah that it is finally open, I couldn’t be more pleased.’

The opening on Saturday was a huge success, with Sarah saying she never expected to see so many people.

‘I was over the moon with the turnout – it was overwhelming,’ she said.

SD Studios offers a range of dance and musical classes for toddlers up to over-50s. For more information visit facebook.com/sdpopacademy.