A NEW acting academy is set to be opened in the town by a professional West End performer.

Hayley Otway, who lives in Ascot, will open the second branch of the HOT (Haley Otway Theatre) Academy at the South Ascot Church Hall from January 6.

Mrs Otway is calling on all up and coming actors and vocalists to sign up for the former ‘Crazy Few’ star’s academy which has seen enormous success come out of its Dunstable branch.

This coming year, HOT will perform extracts of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the O2 and the academy will begin putting on regular shows for the Ascot public.

Mrs Otway said: “After moving to Ascot not so long ago I noticed the tremendous community feel about the town, but I also realised that there was very little in terms of musical theatre.

“It just seemed like a great idea to start up an academy, as I am a big believer in increasing confidence and building on the community I live in.

“I have had such a positive response from people straight away who have shown interest and signed up.”

In 2017, the Dunstable school grew from just six to more than 30 students in one term and students went on to perform Hairspray Jr at the Court Theatre in Tring and later at the Adelphi in London’s West End.

The HOT Academy also offers private exams for acting and Shakespeare, which carry UCAS points for university.

She added: “I started HOT out of a love of both teaching children for 20 years and performing and I grew to learn that it is not about pushing kids to be stars, but giving every child who loves performing the chance to be on a real stage as much as possible.

“I am so excited to offer this experience to children in Ascot”.

To register for a free taster audition, email or text Mrs Otway on hayley@hotacademy.co.uk or 07886 385799