Local Academy of Performing Arts D&B in Bromley is celebrating one of its young performers from Catford landing a part in Motown The Musical in London’s West End.

Rio Myers, 10, who has been with D&B Theatre School and Agency for three years, is playing the younger versions of Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and the creator of Motown – the legendary Berry Gordy.

Rio recently played the part of Gavroche in the hit musical Les Miserables – following in the footsteps of many other D&B boys previously cast in this prestigious role.

The hit musical, at the Shaftesbury Theatre, follows the career of Berry Gordy and the creation of his musical empire, Motown Records. It features classic hits including I Heard it Through the Grapevine and Ain No Mountain High Enough.

Rio will be joined by D&B College graduate, Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli making her West End Debut in the production after previously appearing in West Side Story for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Rio, appearing from this month, said, “A few years ago, I had the chance to meet Berry Gordy in person who was a really lovely man. Now years later, to be playing the young version of him is so exciting. “I am a little nervous but I know that once I’m on stage the nerves disappear. In the end I love being on stage and being able to play these characters. It is fantastic to work with the cast who are so friendly and talented but also to be part of this amazing West End production. It’s a dream come true.”

Rio’s success comes in the year that D&B’s Agency – D&B Management - is celebrating 25 years of securing top jobs for its clients in TV, Film and the West End. The Academy’s three year full-time College whose alumni includes 2016 X-Factor winner, Matt Terry, is now recruiting for its new September 2017 intake. Co-Director of D&B, Donna Sullivan said, “I am thrilled for Rio who is a very talented young performer. It is a particular joy for D&B to see one of its younger performers as well as one of our College Graduates together in such a prestigious West End production. This is a very exciting time for D&B. We work with some amazing young performers and have had amazing success in Film, TV and the West End. We put our success down to excellent training, nurturing and outstanding industry contacts. The College is now recruiting for its 2017 intake and we would love to hear from any young person from any background, who think they might have what it takes to train and work in the Performing Arts”

To find out more about D&B please go to http://www.dandbperformingarts.co.uk

Submitted by Elizabeth Drury