OUT-of-work actors could find their big break at two new West End showbiz restaurants.

It's Showtime, a new company supported by some of the leading names in showbusiness, is applying to have its shares traded on Ofex, the stock market for smaller companies. It initially plans two restaurants on a site in Shaftesbury Avenue at the heart of theatreland. It hopes to raise £936,000 through 2.22 million shares. Resting actors will be able to tread the boards as waiters. The new company promised that its diners would be offered the best in entertainment together with gripping culinary performances. It said the restaurants will have a showbiz atmosphere, with entertainment provided for customers by "all those out-of-work actors who fill in by waiting in West End restaurants." It's Showtime has also set itself the ambitious target of becoming a worldwide performer. Eventually It's Showtime restaurants could open across the world, with the chain becoming the theatre world's upmarket answer to Hard Rock music cafes and film-themed Planet Hollywood.

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