Photo Flash: Lin-Manuel Miranda Visits BRING IT ON in London

Lin-Manuel Miranda surprised the young cast of the British Theatre Academy's critically acclaimed production of his musical 'Bring It On' by watching the final show of their sold-out London summer season at Southwark Playhouse.

Talking to the cast after the show, he told them: "You did an amazing job, it's a very challenging show. I'm so proud and this was so wonderful. You made my wife cry! I came all the way from Cardiff, I wouldn't have missed it! It was awesome. It was the first time i've seen it since 2013 and it just all came flooding back to me."

The British Theatre Academy's youth production, directed and choreographed by Ewan Jones in The Large at Southwark Playhouse from 2 August - 1 September, has beeen one of London Theatre's summer sensations, earning 4 star rave reviews from many of the national critics including the The Daily Telegraph, The Financial Times and The Daily Express.

Nominated for a Tony Award for Best Musical, 'Bring It On' takes audiences on a high-flying journey that touches on themes of friendship and acceptance. Tthe show features an original story by Tony Award winner Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q), music and lyrics by Tony Award winning composer, Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton, In the Heights), music by Pulitzer and Tony Award winning composer, Tom Kitt (Next to Normal) and lyrics by Broadway lyricist, Amanda Green (High Fidelity).

Matthew Chandler, Founder of the BTA and season producer, said: "What an incredible night! We certainly couldn't have asked for a more amazing way to cap off the summer season and end the spectacular run of 'Bring It On'".

Today the BTA reveal that a total of 12,350 people have watched 'Bring It On' and Goodnight Mister Tom' at Southwark Playhose and "Spring Awakening' and 'Litle Women' at Stockwell Playhouse. And due to the success of the season, The British Theatre Academy is offering free theatre training to over 1,000 new young performers this year.

To be the first to hear about auditions for the BTA 2019 summer season auditions, you can pre-register now at www.thebritishtheatreacademy.com

The British Theatre Academy was set up to give talented young people the opportunity to perform in top venues nationwide for free. Over the past three years the company earned rave reviews for productions of 'Annie Jr', 'The Secret Garden', 'The Adventures of Pinocchio' and '13 - The Musical' in the West End. In May 2017, the BTA staged a scintillating concert performance of Broadway musical 'The Color Purple', starring Marisha Wallace (Effie in 'Dreamgirls') alongside members of the BTA.

The British Theatre Academy is a unique performing arts programme that has inspired and nurtured the talent of thousands of young performers over the past 30 years We believe that children should be trained as professionals by professionals. Our team maintains an established link with casting directors, music producers, and talent agents across the world. We are passionate about releasing the individual skill and flair of each student in all aspects of their chosen field. Our experienced creative team provide exceptional training and are dedicated in preparing and inspiring our students at the highest level. Last Summer the BTA brought 'The Secret Garden' and 'Godspell' into the West End where over 500 outstanding cast members wowed the audiences all summer long and performed alongside musical kevintheatre stars Kerry Ellis, Ramin Karimlooo and George Maguire.