Aladdin: We can all shine; SHOWBIZ: Hit Brum panto's heart-throb polishes the lamp of success to show the way for Birmingham's young wannabes who dream of stardom on stage and screen.

Byline: By Graham Young

PANTO star John Barrowman revealed the secrets of his success to an audience of wide-eyed youngsters hoping to follow in his footsteps.

The 40-year-old Scot took a break from his starring role in Aladdin at the Birmingham Hippodrome to take questions from members of Saturday morning theatre group BSS Showbiz.

Wolverhampton Girls' High School pupil Charlotte Hill couldn't believe she had got so close to him and had been able to take her own photographs.

The 13-year-old from Bloxwich said: "I saw John in the panto and in Doctor Who, and just really like him.

"He always seems to be so fresh and happy and gave a very inspirational talk.

"This is what I want to do. I hope, when I'm older, I can give talks just like that about my experiences.

"I want to go to performing arts school and he gave us all the right advice."

School friend Millie Wiltshire, 13, from Codsall, wants to be an actress or singer.

"I was a bit shocked that John was there, right in front of us, and I was shaking all the way through," said Millie.

"He talked about how nervous he gets performing and even doing talks like that, but his secret is that he doesn't let you see it."

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CO-STARS. John with Lila McConigley (Yasmin) and Don Maclean (Widow Twankey; STARRY-EYED... BSS Showbiz children who learn theatre skills. Below, Charlotte Hill is delighted with her picture.; Photosales No.: AW190108JOHN-4; Photosales No.: AW190108JOHN-3; MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS. Aladdin star John Barrowman amid the youngsters from the BSS Showbiz. Pictures: Alan Williams