Youngsters at Idle theatre school Stage 84 have performed at a special event celebrating principal Valerie Jackson’s MBE for services to the arts.

Valerie was recently presented with her MBE by Princess Anne in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

“It was a wonderful day; one I’ll never forget. I feel very honoured,” says Valerie, who has been teaching children at Stage 84 and Bradford schools for more than 50 years.

Former Stage 84 students include Kimberley Walsh of Girls Aloud, West End star Emma Williams and Coronation Street actor Jack P Shepherd.

Stage 84 is holding three summer schools this year, each one ending in a performance. The drama school runs from August 9-13 and includes workshops in acting, improvisation and television technique.

The Reel Performance week, from August 16-20, is centred around film and video, and culminates in a performance DVD and individual presentations.

The third school, from August 23-27, is called Glee and is, as you might expect, a fun-filled week of singing, acting, dancing and improvisation based around the Channel 4 show. For more information, ring (01274) 569197.

Bradford Players are seeking brave souls to strip off on stage.

Next year, the Players are staging The Full Monty, the musical inspired by the hit 1997 show and award-winning movie.

The production, directed by Giles Atkinson, with Anthony D Martin as musical director, transfers the action from Sheffield to Buffalo in America.

It’s the story of six unemployed steelworkers, low on cash and prospects, who turn to stripping to make ends meet. As they prepare for their show, working through their fears and anxieties, they overcome inner demons and find strength in their camaraderie.

Anyone who fancies auditioning for the show, which is scheduled to run in September 2011, is asked to contact Wendy Robinson at wenz1@hotmail.co.uk.