BOURNEMOUTH'S Pavilion Theatre is buzzing this week thanks to the unbridled enthusiasm and breath-taking talent of Big Little Theatre School students.

The school's 11th annual showcase brings musicals old and new to life as well as beaming smiles to the faces of performers and audience alike.

Hits from classics such as Kiss Me Kate and Hot Mikado are featured, as are newer, and perhaps lesser-known, numbers from Into the Woods, 13 and Rent.

But perhaps the biggest cheers were reserved for The Jersey Boys - featuring members of the school's renowned Professional Development Programme (PDP) - and the foot-stomping, high-energy finale, Footloose.

Around 130 students with rousing voices, dazzling dance moves and top class acting skills make it abundantly clear throughout that they're having a ball.

Producer Colin Billing does his utmost to run Now That's What I Call Showtunes 3 to the same high standards he expects when working as a Musical Director in the West End.

And his trust in the young students is repayed with high-calibre performances making them more like West End stars than the local school children they actually are.

This feel-good show features youth theatre students aged eight to 19 from the school's Footlights, Limelights, Starlights and PDP companies.

PDP was created to prepare those dedicated to a career in the theatre for the next stage in their lives - and it has had stunning success.

Last year 11 students won places at top London theatre schools and four have already secured places this year. Countless graduates are working in the West End and abroad.

Unlike many amateur productions, Showtunes 3 is absolutely not the kind of show just put on for parents and friends - everyone will love it.

So what are you waiting for? This show is guaranteed to leave you feeling uplifted and happy and who wouldn't benefit from a bit of that?

Now That's What I Call Showtunes 3 runs until Saturday July 16 - so be quick!