King Charles delighted young performers at the National Youth Music Theatre’s (NYMT) 50th anniversary celebration by revealing he owns tap shoes, prompting an offer of dance lessons from students. The monarch attended the event at The Other Palace in central London alongside actor Sir Idris Elba.
During a conversation with NYMT member Bill, 21, the King asked if the students learn tap dancing. Bill recounted: “He said he owns his own tap shoes and we offered to teach him.” When asked if a lesson had been booked, Bill admitted: “We failed, but we will follow up.”
The King also advised students on understanding Shakespeare, telling a group: “The best way to understand it is to actually act it.” He watched a choir performance and met participants in drama and musical theatre workshops. Another student, Toby, 22, taught the King a vocal warm-down technique using a straw.
Sir Idris Elba, who at 18 used a grant from The Prince’s Trust (now The King’s Trust) to attend NYMT, told students his drama teacher got him into the programme. He said: “The King’s Trust helped me get into the school. It was amazing.”
Charles cut a cake marked “50” and joined a group photo before departing. NYMT founder Jeremy James Taylor said of the visit: “It’s wonderful to see him. Wonderful.” The charity’s alumni include Jude Law, Stephen Graham and Toby Jones.
