WHAT a treat.

West End royalty joined immensely talented students for an uplifting and enthralling evening of musical theatre.

Christchurch's Regent Centre was again the venue for the popular annual West End and Broadway Songbook show.

Fresh from her triumph in Funny Girl in the West End, Natasha J Barnes stole the show with stunning renditions of the Trolley Song and Don’t Rain On My Parade.

It was easy to see how she hit the headlines earlier this year when she unexpectedly stepped in to megastar Sheridan Smith's shoes in the West End.

Far from being disappointed that the star of the show had been forced to take time off, audiences gave Natasha standing ovations as she relished the opportunity to take the lead.

And it's not often you get to see two Phantoms of the Opera in the same place at the same time either Nigel Richards and Mike Sterling have played the role in London and both played impressive parts in last night's musical extravaganza.

They had the audience on the edge of their seats with a range of magical numbers from, among others, Les Mis and Chicago.

West End veteran Tiffany Graves was amazing, not only demonstrating her unquestioned talent, vocal ability and absolute love of her job, but her commitment to those hoping to follow in her very talented footsteps.

Forming the ensemble and showing off their considerable talent were members of the Big Little Theatre School's Professional Development Programme.

Natasha is a former student of the renowned school, as are more recent graduates Ceara George and Daniel Forrester who also performed.

All the professionals were crystal clear in their support for the students, who clearly raised their game in the presence of those who represent their goal.

What a fantastic opportunity for the students to rehearse and perform with experts in their field and to learn from them.

And the mutual respect was genuine – it appeared that no matter how well they’ve done, all the stars remembered where they came from.

Doubtless some of last night's ensemble will be in the limelight themselves one day after spending their formative stage years under the watchful eye of their incredible musical director Colin Billing.

The show raises money for Big Little, a not-for-profit organisation which prides itself on giving professional performing opportunities and the best coaching available to its students.

The school puts on a stunning Show called Showtunes every summer at Bournemouth's Pavilion Theatre and I, for one, can't wait to see it.