A West End musical star is to launch a professional theatre school in the heart of her community.  

When she is not busy performing eight shows a week as Wicked Witch of the East, Nessarose Thropp, in Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, Katie Rowley-Jones will run the KRJ Theatre Academy. 

Ms Rowley-Jones, of Grosvenor Road in Wanstead, will officially open her Saturday morning academy on January 10 at Prospect Hall in Prospect Road, Woodford Green.

The 36-year-old landed her first major role aged 22 after completing a post-graduate degree in musical theatre at Guildford Schools of Arts (GSA), playing Swallow in a tour of Whistle in the Wind. 

She has since worked alongside Whoopi Goldberg in Sister Act the musical and featured in UK tours of The Rocky Horror Show and Beauty and the Beast. 

She said: "Acting and singing has always been my first love.

“I love children and what drama and the arts can do for their confidence. 

"There is nothing more rewarding and satisfying than watching them grow.

“We are not just drama teachers, we are current theatre practitioners. 

"I know from my experience that there is nothing more inspiring than being taught first-hand by working professionals and this is exactly what we are trying to achieve."

The KRJ Theatre Academy will run three-hour sessions led by Wicked cast members Ms Rowley-Jones, singing tutor Philippa Buxton from Walthamstow, and dance teacher Sheila Grant. 

Its target age range is between eight and 18 and courses cost £288 per term.  

Ms Rowley-Jones said she was keen to set up the school in her own community.

She added: "I made a conscious decision not to set up in the West End.

“I love where I live and want to give back to the community."

The Academy will host a two-hour pre-launch workshop on productions of The Lion King and We Will Rock You at Prospect Hall on Saturday from 9am. 

To find out more, click here