IF it Works don't fix it -- just make it twice the show! Famed choreographer Phil Winston has done just that with his second showcase of student talent at Blackpool Pleasure Beach this week.

The Works opens for three nights at the Paradise Room tonight (Thursday) with members from the renowned Blackpool dance and drama school Theatre Works keen to show parents and the public just what they can do.

Production co-ordinator of the show and former Eclipse star Ian Meeson said: "It's a fabulous evening of singing, dance and drama and it went so well last year that this year we have doubled the students involved from 30 to 60.

"Performing The Works is very important to our students so that's why we decided to do it again. It teaches them first hand the reality of showbusiness with all the stresses, strains and hard work as well as the glamour. You can't always get that in the studio.

"The first half will be our first years who are aged from just 16 years and then after the interval it's the second and third years. We hope this will show how much the students can improve and learn as they go through their training."

And one hopeful with his eye on a famous future is 23-year-old Edward Thomson who is the first-ever student to travel up North from the bright lights of London to train with the acclaimed school.

"I was lucky enough to meet Mr Winston at the International Dance Teachers Seminar," said Edward during rehearsals for the opening night. "I've seen everything he's ever done and admired his work so much that, although I still live in London, I'm more than happy to travel down every week to train here rather than in London."

Three of Phil Winston's Theatre Works students will also go on to appear in Mystique this season, beginning rehearsals on Monday.

Ian said: "We opened primarily as a college for Northerners but it doesn't matter where they are from really if they have that all important potential."

The Works runs at Blackpool Pleasure Beach's Paradise Room from 8pm until Saturday. For tickets and further details call 292733. TOPPING SHOW: Edward Thomson all set for the big night Picture: GLEN GATER