LAPPING up the limelight on London’s West End and New York’s Broadway might just be a day job for one former Woolston High School pupil.

But now rising star Ben Hartley is inviting Warrington students to the city that never sleeps to learn the essential razzle dazzle skills of dancing, singing and acting by undergoing The Broadway Experience programme.

Ben, a former Manchester Road resident, debuted in the West End at 19. He starred in Swan Lake, Cinderella and the Car-Man and then in the Big Apple when the productions were snapped up for Broadway.

He also performed in Cats, Fosse and was a member of the English National Ballet.

Ben said: “I enjoy the fact that I can enjoy what I do for a living. That is something I never take for granted.”

The 32-year-old’s yearning for the stage began as a small child when he used to watch Hollywood movie musicals with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly with his grandparents.

At age seven Ben, who could never sit still, enrolled in Kate Simmons Dance Ltd, in Bridge Lane, Woolston.

It was there that his passion began. He studied ballet before advancing to jazz and tap classes. At Woolston High School he was a member of the choral and drama groups.

Graham and Linda, Ben’s proud parents, have always supported his dream of performing.

“Becoming a professional was as thrilling for them as it was for me because all of the hard work had finally paid off,” said Ben.

“I know they are extremely proud and each time they are in the audience I feel like the performance is for them.”

Ben encourages all budding thespians to take classes in everything because choice and variety is valuable in the industry.

He said: “Broadway has changed so much over the past 10 years. As a professional, you have to be able to not only dance, sing and act but be proficient in every dance and vocal style.

“The more you bring to the table, the greater the possibilities and opportunities.”

His musical notches on Broadway include Fiddler on the Roof, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

Being photographed by fashion photographer Steven Meisel for the Christmas 1998 edition of American Vogue and meeting celebrities such as George Clooney and Britney Spears after performances are some of his fondest memories.

A royal meeting saw Ben snapped shaking hands with Princess Margaret as he stood in his underwear for a performance in London called Spitfire.

And in July 2008 he launched The Broadway Experience for 11 to 19-year-olds students. It is designed to show participants the tools they need to become a triple threat performer (singing, dancing and acting).