Broadway and West End star Ruthie Henshall revived her Clacton connections to open the glitzy two-night gala at the town's Princes Theatre.

Welcome back - Broadway and West End star Ruthie Henshall, front right, with some of the dancers taking part in the glittering two-night gala at Clacton's Princes Theatre. Pictures: SEANA HUGHES (41277-c)

Ruthie started her career in Clacton's summer show before taking the West End and then Broadway by storm in the lead role of Chicago.

Ruthie, who has just had her second child, is also patron of the Tiffany Stage Academy and stepped in to support the academy and other dance schools which were staging the gala nights.

The galas also put other West End stars in the spotlight, including former Tiffany students Gavin Alex, who is in Fame, and Ian Waller who has just come out of The Full Monty.

The evenings, which also included an auction by actor Tim Griggs, have so farraised more than £7,500.

Tendring Council chairman Christine Turner, who attended both nights, said she thought the show was "absolutley wonderful."

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Published Monday, February 28, 2005

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