A West End star welcomed children to workshop ahead of the official launch of a new theatre school.

Katie Rowley-Jones, of Grosvenor Road in Wanstead, features in the current production of Wicked.

She held the two-hour event at Prospect Hall, in Woodford Green, on Saturday.

The KRJ Theatre Academy will be led by Ms Rowley-Jones, who plays the Wicked Witch of the East Nessarose Thropp, and fellow cast members Philippa Buxton and Sheila Grant. 

The pre-launch event saw children re-enact scenes from hit musical's The Lion King and We Will Rock You. 

The Saturday morning academy will officially open at the community centre in Prospect Road on January 10. 

Ms Rowley-Jones said: "I am blessed with being able to bring the industry to our children in the community."