Anastasia the musical is being brought to the Conservatoire East stage in Bury St Edmunds, at West Suffolk College, from tonight

A musical based on the hit film Anastasia is set to take theatre-goers on a journey of self-discovery when it glides across the stage this week.

The show is taking place at Conservatoire East, the performing arts academy based at West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds, from tonight until Saturday, May 18.

The story follows a young woman called Anya who has amnesia. She travels across Europe with a slew of savoury and unsavoury characters in search of her true destiny, believing that she has some connection to royalty.

Performed by acting and musical students who are being trained at the college, this production will be the last show as a student in Bury for some members of this acting troupe.

After this, many of the cast will be heading off to drama school where they will be hoping to tread the boards and follow in the footsteps of former West Suffolk College student Tom Francis, who won an Olivier award this year for his performance in Sunset Boulevard.

Co-director of the show, Lottie Pook, a lecturer in acting at Conservatoire East, said: “Our show is an interesting re-telling of an historical story with a theatrical twist, the songs are brilliant, there are loads of dance numbers and it’s going to be really really good. The students have done an amazing job.

“Ten of our current students have got top places at drama schools from our current group so this is a great chance to see the stars of tomorrow today.”

Oliver Jenkins, 18, from Manningtree, who is on a level 3 musical theatre course, said: “I play the love interest in this classic story relating to a princess and a poor boy.”

Masha Skinner, 18, from Bury, who is also on a level 3 musical theatre course, said: “I think people should come and see it as the music is amazing and it is a moving, fun and enjoyable.”

Performances start at 7.30pm and there is also a matinee on Saturday that commences at 2.30pm. The show is for those aged 12 and over.

For tickets see here.