Panto star James Percy gets ready to launch his own Portsmouth theatre school Theatretrain

James Percy, 34, is opening the doors to Theatretrain at Mayfield School and hopes to inspire four to 18-year-olds with a team of top industry professionals.

Trained as an actor at Birmingham School of Acting, James has since gone on to tour internationally with stand-up comedy, pantomimes and shows such as Hairspray the Musical.

Most recently he has completed a three-month Las Vegas residency and US tour performing his two man show Potted Potter; a comedy show based on Harry Potter.

James spent a lot of his childhood in Portsmouth and is now thrilled to be opening his first theatre school, Theatretrain, in the city after moving here permanently with his family.

He said: ‘I’ve always wanted to launch a theatre school which was the kind of place I would have wanted to go to as a kid.’

Children will be offered acting, singing and dancing lessons from local teachers who have had success in their fields. James said: ‘They are really passionate people. I wanted people who would be able to inspire the kids and really generate that passion and excitement.’

He hopes the children will take away more than just performance skills.

‘It also teaches the kids a lot of life skills that they will need as they grow up,’ he said. ‘It builds confidences, it teaches empathy, creativity, and teamwork. Even if they’re not going to go in to working as a

performer in the future, it’s just a great experience and a great group to be a part of.’

As part of the larger, national Theatretrain group there is the chance of other opportunities for the Portsmouth school. Previous performances included shows at the Royal Albert Hall, West End theatres and even shows in Disneyland Paris.

‘Even for me as a professional working actor, these are opportunities that I would snap up if they got offered to me, so to be able to offer them to children who are experiencing this for the first time, it’s great.’

James is also appearing in the Kings Theatre’s Christmas pantomime, Dick Whittington, playing the comedic character of Silly Billy. Dick Whittington is running from December 8.

Tickets can be booked at https://www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk/

Theatretrain Portsmouth School opens at Mayfield school on Saturday, December 5.

To find out more or to register visit https://www.theatretrain.co.uk/