A GROUP of young people have been on the trip of a lifetime.

Ludwig Theatre Arts has just returned from taking some of its Academy students on a trip to New York.

The 25 young people from Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Worcestershire joined forces with another 15 students from Vision Arts in Pembrokeshire, for a fabulous Broadway experience.

After departing from Tenbury Wells, they travelled a total of 6,958 miles there and back to JFK airport - and walked a total of 31 miles on the hard streets of New York during their four-day trip.

“The days were filled with Broadway themed-activities, but the children still found time to make new and lasting friends,” said Jack Ludwig, artistic director of Ludwig Theatre Arts and trip leader.

“I want to say how incredibly proud I am of the children who attended the trip and did our area so proud. The youth get a lot of negative press so it is so inspiring to see a young group support each other and take New York head-on.”

ALSO READ:

Staying in Times Square, the group went to see Broadway shows Moulin Rouge, Little Shop of Horrors, and Funny Girl.

They also took part in two workshops. The first, a Moulin Rouge masterclass was taught by composer and musical director Michael Dansicker and Clay Rice Thomson, who is part of the ensemble of Moulin Rouge.

The second workshop, based around Funny Girl, was facilitated by Dan Manjovi, an award-winning musician, singer, songwriter, actor and teacher and vocal coach, and Leslie Blake Walker, who is part of the Funny Girl ensemble.

The youngsters were put through their paces learning a song and dance routine from each of the shows.

There was also time for sightseeing, including trips to Central Park, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and sites made famous by films including Ghostbusters, and a visit to Ground Zero and the 9/11 museum and memorial.

They also ate at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, where the staff are all Broadway performers who sing and dance their way through service.

“It really was a packed trip,” said Jack, “but what a fantastic one!"