Precocious monsters or delightful starlets?
In the first of three films David Dimbleby raises the curtain on stage schools and steps into the tiny tots' world of showbusiness. Stage schools claim to give full professional and academic training, leading hopefully to a successful professional career - others say that they offer little more than the four Rs - Reading, 'Riting, 'Rithmetic and Resting - producing yet another wave of hopefuls to swell the army of adults permanently 'between engagements.' But while at school they may already be enjoying the sweet smell of success. If the face fits - if it looks commercial enough - a lucky ten-year-old could already be earning three times more than his Dad. That same child could also be a 'has been' at 15.
Tonight we go back-stage to talk to Anthony Newley and Mark Lester and to the children who hope to be the stars of tomorrow.
(Kids who go to the theatre...: p 3)