The Maltese production titled ‘Showbiz High’ was a huge hit at the Shaftesbury Theatre, in the heart of London’s West End. The Theatre is currently hosting the Musical ‘Hairspray’. ‘Showbiz High’ which included both song and dance, was fully produced by Batista Leisure Group, with the collaboration of Freetime Productions.

The Maltese production formed part of The ‘Young Performers UK’ spectacle with the participation of 15 other ‘Performing Arts Schools’ from Ireland and UK. The Maltese story was all about the 17 teenagers being undecided whether to remain in Showbiz and not go back to school at all. A packed ‘Shaftesbury Theatre’ responded with a thunderous applause lasting several minutes after each act by the Maltese Team.

The host of the show added to the excitement of the local troupe, saying that she was very impressed by the professional standards of ‘Showbiz High’ and made a point of saying “This is High School Musical all over again, but a better standard.” The host was also very impressed that the choreographer of the Maltese production was Sophie – at only 14 years of age.

The MusicNews.Com team, with 70,000 readers online per day, were also present at the Theater and their review published on Tuesday the 16th of September also praised the show. The Maltese team were in London for a double occasion. On Saturday they presented their show at The Westminster Cathedral Hall for Malta Day 2008 under the auspices of the Honorary Michael Refalo’ The Maltese High Commissioner for London.

This was another huge success for Maltese Arts as yet again ‘Showbiz High’ was performed to very high standards. The feedback from this particular show was extremely positive and many Maltese citizens resident in London thought that ‘Showbiz High’ was a British production and that the 17 teenagers were based in London. The Malta Team flew out to London on Thursday the 11th of September and returned on Monday the 15th of September.

Batista Leisure Group said that their work and dedication to young artists will not stop here. From October 2008 to June 2009 they will be residents on a Sunday TV program where they will share the young artists high standards of performance, that was so evident in London, with the Maltese Islands public.

In the meantime Batista Leisure Group are already planning more International opportunities in the UK. ‘Showbiz High’ manager Mr Godwin Debattista stated “exporting and exposing Maltese young talent in the best performing arts venues in the UK, such as The Shaftesbury Theatre, is high on my company’s agenda at the moment and for the forseeable future. The Maltese Islands are too small for the scores of talented young artists emerging from Malta and Gozo. It is our mission to find golden opportunities for local young performers.”