Teenager Kelsey taking to the West End stage

Kelsey Lester, 16 from Marton has won a place in a West End show

And she will soon be taking to the West End stage in London’s Other Palace theatre, to showcase it.

The former Lytham St Annes High School pupil has been invited to perform for a week in a musical adaptation of Lewis Carrol’s classic tale Jabberwocky, at the venue, with the Youth Music Theatre (YMT). Last year, the YMT offered her a place on a three-week residential course over the summer, where after two weeks of rehearsals, she was performing in Jabberwocky at the Margate Theatre Royal.

Kesley, 16, said: “I’m really excited. Getting the chance to be on a West End stage is such an amazing opportunity.

“It’s going to be really good experience and will give us chance to meet people in the industry. I think I will be a bit nervous.

“Performing is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve always loved singing and dancing and theatre is my passion.

“The YMT has given me so much experience – it’s been brilliant, I’d recommend it to anyone. I’ve had equal singing and dancing experience and I’ve also made lots of friends.

“My mum is really proud, she is coming to London to watch me, with my family.”

Kelsey, who is studying performing arts and musical theatre at Cardinal Newman College, is also a talented artist.

Last year, she was named Young Artist Of The Year in a competition at Blackpool And The Fylde College. She manages to juggle her coursework with rehearsals and practising for shows.

She said: “I am very busy, it can be hard to fit everything in.

“I just don’t really have a summer holiday, but I love it and it’ll be worth in the end.

“I hope to go on to study at musical theatre college. I love Wicked, that’s my favourite musical. I’d love to perform in it one day.”