series' and appearances such as Noel's House Party, Royal Variety Performance and Children in Need. Gavin Lee – most noted for creating the role of 'Bert' in the West End premiere of Mary Poppins The Musical, a role which he later re-created for the new Broadway production of the show. He has received both Olivier Award and Tony Award nominations for this role. John Partridge – has performed a number of critically acclaimed roles in West End musicals and throughout Europe. He is most noted for his performance of 'Rum-Tum-Tugger' in the official film of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Cats, but Partridge has also played leading roles in musicals such as Starlight Express, Notre Dame de Paris, Rent and Taboo. Since February 2008, Partridge has been a cast member of the long-running British soap opera EastEnders. Lara Pulver – trained at Bird College, graduating with a BA (Hons) Degree in 2000. She has appeared in a number of productions including Into The Woods at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, Honk!, High Society and A Chorus Line. In 2008, Pulver received a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for 'Best Actress in a Musical', for her performance in the West End production of Parade at the Donmar Warehouse. Her television appearances include the BBC drama series Robin Hood and HBO's True Blood. Aaron Sillis – trained at Bird College gaining the National Diploma in Professional Dance. Has performed in many award-winning productions by the choreographer Matthew Bourne, including Swan Lake, Nutcracker!, The Car Man and Dorian Gray. Has also worked as a dancer and choreographer for Kylie Minogue, Take That, Sugababes and Victoria Beckham. Winner of The Times Breakthrough Award sponsored at the 2009 South Bank Show Awards. References Resources Doreen Bird – ISTD Autobiography University of Greenwich Press Release – Doreen Bird, Honorary MA Gavin Lee, Olivier Award Interview Bexley Council Press Release – Junior Music & Dance Provision Obituary of Doreen Bird – See page 4 Council for Dance Education & Training (CDET) – List of Accredited Dance & Musical Theatre Courses Dance and Drama Awards (DADA) Scheme – List of colleges offering Government funded places External links Bird College – Official website Council for Dance Education and Training Schools of the performing arts in the United Kingdom Dance schools in the United Kingdom Drama schools in London Dance in London Educational institutions established in 1945 1945 establishments in