From Wolverhampton Grand to Sydney Opera House for Kinver choreographer

Richard Peakman moved from his home in Kinver to London at the age of 16 when he was awarded a scholarship at Italia Conti, the oldest stage school in England.

The former Egdecliffe High School student landed a role in the West End production of West Side Story at 19 and his career took off from there.

The 38-year-old has since danced with celebrities, and taken shows all over the world - including TV shows such as America's Got Talent.

Richard's latest venture was as associate director and choreographer for Circus 1903, which opened in Sydney Opera House two years ago before touring north America and then was shown in Las Vegas for six months before appearing on America's Got Talent.

The show came to the Royal Festival Hall in London last month and was even shown on the Royal Variety Performance.

Richard said: "It's a turn of the century circus show featuring circus acts from across the world with life-sized elephant puppets that were made by the creators of War Horse.

"The baby elephant puppet presented Meghan and Harry with flowers and Harry blew down his trunk after the Royal Variety Performance.

"There's talk about it doing a UK tour next year, a lot more of the country will get to experience Circus 1903."

Richard performed at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre as a teenager and returned as the choreographer of the Grand's 2014 production of Cinderella, working alongside Julian Clary. And Richard also came back to the Midlands as the associate director for show Crazy For You at the Grand.

Richard added: "I always say I'm from London but I feel a sense of coming home when I'm back in the Midlands.

"I performed in shows when I was about 14 at the Grand, so it always feels quite nostalgic and makes me reflect and feel quite lucky to be working in a business that's quite volatile.

"I feel lucky that I've turned a childhood hobby into my livlihood. Most of the time it's just wonderful."