A workshop with Connie Fisher is pupils' favourite thing

SHE spends most evenings teaching the Von Trapp children to sing on stage at the Edinburgh Playhouse.

Now TV and theatre star Connie Fisher has been bringing some of The Sound of Music to local children at a drama school.

She joined Keith Jack, who also shot to fame in a BBC reality show, for the workshop at the Morningside Dance Academy.

It is part of a week-long school he is organising with his girlfriend, actor and dance teacher Alana Macfarlane.

Ms Fisher passed on advice to the youngsters, and shared stories of some of the less glamorous parts of taking the show on tour. She also helped them prepare for their performance on Saturday, which includes songs from The Sound of Music.

After winning the BBC1 show How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? in 2006, she played the part in London's West End for 18 months. She said she hopes to set up her own series of workshops once the nationwide tour is finished.

Ms Fisher said: "I was absolutely blown away by their performances. It made me a bit nervous that they'd be watching me at the Playhouse.

"I haven't had the opportunity to do anything like this before, but I really enjoyed it.

"I'd love to set up some kind of workshop for young actors who have just graduated and are looking for work. I know how difficult it can be when you are starting out."

She said she has enjoyed the six week run in Edinburgh, which ends on Saturday, although she still sometimes feels nervous going on stage.

"This is my favourite city so far – I love all its history. The Playhouse is also the biggest theatre on the tour, and it's a really big achievement to sing there.

"I've wanted to play Maria since I was three. I grew up watching The Sound of Music every Christmas. When I saw the advert for the chance to be in the show, I just had to go for it. I didn't want to be in the X-Factor or Big Brother or anything – I just wanted to be Maria."

She also shared some of her most nerve-wracking moments – including one time she was accidentally locked out of the theatre in Bradford 30 seconds before she was due to go on stage.

Jack, from Rosewell, said they hoped to set up stage schools around the country, and increase opportunities for young performers. He is juggling it with promoting his second album, as well as other performances.

He said: "It's been incredibly rewarding, and the kids really want to learn to be singers and dancers."

As well as coaching, experts are offering insider tips on breaking into the entertainment industry. Other speakers include vocal coach Chris Judge, who has worked with the Spice Girls and S Club 7.

One of the youngsters, Katie Wilson, 14, from Bonnyrigg, said: "It was fantastic meeting Connie and I learned a lot. It was great as we're singing songs from The Sound of Music."

Cara Brown, 13, from Greenbank, said she would love to follow in Ms Fisher's footsteps.

She said: "It was really helpful – I think most of us want to go on the stage."