TWENTY-year-old identical twins Danielle and Nicole Bird, who were brought up in Llandogo, are about to showcase their talents in London's West End.

Danielle and Nichole are currently final year students at the acclaimed Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in North London, studying for a BA (Hons) in Performance (Acting option).

As their course nears completion the twins and their fellow students are presenting a West End Showcase in front of Agents, Casting Directors and other prominent members of the theatrical profession.

The showcase, which is held this week will be at the Criterion Theatre.

Danielle and Nicole were educated at Monmouth Comprehensive School, where their love of performance developed.

They had always been creative and sang in the Twynrodyn Primary School choir but it was during their time at secondary school that they started to perform in plays and musicals including Grease, Fiddler on the Roof, Guys and Dolls, Annie and The Crucible.

Nichole had originally wanted to be a vet but after joining the National Youth Theatre she realised she wanted to perform professionally.

Danielle, on the other hand, always knew she wanted to act.

"We were so lucky that we had such supportive and encouraging teachers at Monmouth Comprehensive School", said Nichole.

"Nick Bristow really encouraged us to perform and Catherine Rogers and Jo Winfer were so supportive and gave us such good advice."

Danielle continued: "The school only had a small drama department but everyone was so supportive. I think it is fair to say that Monmouth school gives great opportunities for those who seek them."

The twins also acknowledge the tremendous support from family, especially their parents Robert and Sian, and friends.

Having decided they wanted to train as professional actors, the girls started to audition and were delighted when they were both offered a place at Mountview.

"We both knew that this was the place we wanted to be," said Nichole.

"On audition day it was so welcoming and the staff were interested in us as individuals and how we could develop.

Danielle agreed: "Yes, we were impressed by the atmosphere and by what the course offered and we also listened to advice from our peers who said Mountview was the place to go."

During their training the twins appeared together in the public production of Marat/Sade and then Danielle appeared in the musical The Fix, and Nichole appeared in Loveplay.

After the showcase the girls will appear in their final play: Danielle in The Last Night of Ballyhoo at Jackson's Lane Theatre and Nichole in People on the River at The Albany in Deptford.