A BILLERICAY-BORN theatre star will be coming home to perform some hit songs from one of the world’s most famous musicals.

Gary Tushaw, who starred as Marius in Les Miserables in the West End in 2005, will make a special guest appearance at a musical workshop of the show on September 28 at Stock Village Hall, in Common Road, near Billericay.

Although Gary now lives in London, he hails from Billericay and is a former Mayflower High School pupil.

The actor, who trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, will sing hits including Marius’ main tune Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, talk about his time in Les Miserables and he will also take questions from the floor.

Gary started acting at school before joining local amateur groups, including the Brentwood Shakespeare Company.

He said: “It’s great to come back home to Essex again and get involved in a show that brings me a lot of cherished memories.

“Since leaving drama school, I’ve been lucky enough to perform in a number of wonderful productions, and many in London, and Les Miserables certainly has a special place in my heart.

“Once you’ve performed in a production like that, it never completely leaves you, and I’m really looking forward to sharing my experiences with people on the day.”

The workshop on Saturday, September 28 is being run by Arbutus Music and will offer people of all abilities the chance to sing many of the classic musical’s anthems and vocal training from the group’s vocal coaches Christine Gwynn and Frances Quintrell.

Mrs Quintrell, of Jacksons Lane, in Billericay, said: “We’re so excited about having a true West End star in Gary join us for part of the day.”

Tickets for the event cost £30, which includes tea, coffee and free sheet music. It will run from 10am to 4pm.

Advanced booking is essential.

To book, call 01277 651970