A DREAM has come true for a gifted performer.

Dancer Freya Sutton is stepping into the shoes of her mum Debbie - to take over the Sutton Stage School she founded 25 years ago.

The 27-year-old played the lead role in two UK tours of Hairspray The Musical alongside former Eastender TV star Lucy Benjamin and 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, from Castle, a former pupil at Antrobus Primary School and Knutsford High School.

“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.

“I could have gone on performing but it has always been a dream to have a studio.”

The pair will work together in a newly refurbished studio on Station Road.

Debbie specialises in ballet, modern and tap with the younger children and Freya enjoys teaching exam classes, street dance, drama, musical theatre and singing, mostly with older students.

“My mum taught be everything I know,” said Freya.

“Not everyone gets to spend that much time with their mum. We are like best friends.”

Debbie, from Antrobus, said: “Freya is naturally gifted. She has been dancing since she was two and has a voice to die for.

“She loves teaching. We get excellent exam results with 98 per cent distinctions.

“They start as such little tiny tots, it’s great to see them go off to university.

“We get to know them so well we’re like one big family.”

Freya, who is now studying to become a dance examiner, added: “We have extremely gifted children. It excites me to see so much potential.

“We’re more than just dance teachers, we want them to improve and gain confidence.

“When they go to university they can join dance groups and be with other like-minded people.

“If we could do our job for free we would. We do give away one full scholarship every year.

“It doesn’t feel like work when you’re with these gorgeous kids.”

Freya has invited performers from the West End to stage a series of workshops.

She will be teaching routines from Hairspray in the first one on Sunday, September 30 from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.

To book e-mail suttonstageschool@hotmail.com.