A rising stage star is hoping to inspire other aspiring performers in Norwich as he reflects on his West End debut.

Tiago Dhondt Bamberger, 22, learned his trade with the city's Central School of Dance and Performing Arts and was in many productions from the age of four including six Norwich Theatre Royal pantomimes.

Norwich Evening News: A young Tiago Dhondt Bamberger, pictured in 2008 preparing for his role as a teacup Beauty and the Beast at Norwich Theatre Royal A young Tiago Dhondt Bamberger, pictured in 2008 preparing for his role as a teacup Beauty and the Beast at Norwich Theatre Royal (Image: Paul Hewitt/Newsquest)

He pursued his talent at Guildford School of Acting and after graduating last year, landed his big break on the West End stage - as Babydoll in Moulin Rouge at London's Picadilly Theatre.

Tiago said: “I was full of excitement as I didn’t expect to get the role and hadn’t even seen the show!”

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The former Notre Dame High School pupil admits his time on the show was as gruelling as it was exciting though.

Norwich Evening News: Norwich performer Tiago Dhondt Bamberger has been performing in Moulin Rouge in the West End Norwich performer Tiago Dhondt Bamberger has been performing in Moulin Rouge in the West End (Image: Tiago Dhondt Bamberger)

He said: “I had to maintain a consistent weight and completely shave my head, torso and underarms.

"My sleeping pattern changed. I was working unsociable hours so I would get home at 11.30pm and only sleep at 1.30am because of the adrenaline from the show.

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"I had to learn to sing differently and take shallower breaths because of my costume corset. It’s a different lifestyle.”

Norwich Evening News: Tiago Dhondt Bamberger during his time at Notre Dame High School Tiago Dhondt Bamberger during his time at Notre Dame High School (Image: Neil Didsbury/Newsquest)

It has led to glamorous opportunities including performing at the Olivier Awards and Tiago loved his time in Moulin Rouge.

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He added: “I will miss the ridiculousness of the show and feeling that euphoria at the end of the show when everyone is clapping.”

Tiago will be returning for a second West End show next year, although he cannot reveal which yet. In the meantime, he hopes his journey can inspire others from his home city.

He said: “I grew up by the Mile Cross estate and lived off benefits my whole life until I was 18.

"I always knew I had to work and this gave me the drive. I feel incredibly lucky.”

Norwich Evening News: Tiago Dhondt Bamberger, second left, with fellow Moulin Rouge performers at the Olivier Awards Tiago Dhondt Bamberger, second left, with fellow Moulin Rouge performers at the Olivier Awards (Image: @moulinmusicaluk on Instagram)