WHEN the curtain is raised on the opening night of Gorleston Theatre Company's production of 42nd Street it will be a case of dreams coming true for two local youngsters.

WHEN the curtain is raised on the opening night of Gorleston Theatre Company's production of 42nd Street it will be a case of dreams coming true for two local youngsters.

For 17 year old Charles Carter, and Carlie Hurren, who is 21, will both be making their respective debuts with major roles in the musical which is being performed at the Britannia Theatre in May.

Dance teacher Jayne King said: “For both of them, the path to stardom has been through the ranks of local theatre groups both having performed with the Great Yarmouth Operatic and Dramatic Society, Dusmagrik Young Peoples Theatre Group and The Gorleston Theatre Company. Charles says appearing at the Britannia Theatre will hold no fears for him.”

Charles added: “Apparently I made my stage debut there at the age of five in a dance revue for my then dancing tutor Wendy Roche. I can't say I remember an awful lot about it but I am told there are photographs to prove it. Following that I have had several roles in a variety of shows including Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Barnum, Oklahoma and The Wind in the Willows. It's great fun. I He added: “I hope to successfully complete my course at City College and then seek further training at theatre school; my aim is to appear in the West End.”

In 42nd Street Charles plays the part of Billy Lawlor an established juvenile star who sets out to help new girl on the block Peggy Sawyer, played by Carlie Hurren from Caister on Sea. Carlie, who began dancing at the age of three is not the least bit overawed at the task of playing Peggy Sawyer.

She said: “It certainly is the biggest role I have had to date with plenty of lines and dance numbers to rehearse, but I am really enjoying the challenge.”

Carlie also learned dancing at the Phyllis Adams School of Dance, moving to her current teacher Jayne King at the age of 14. As well as dancing, Carlie gained a National Diploma in singing with John Roper, and a Diploma in Musical Theatre at Great Yarmouth College, along the way she has appeared on stage for local theatre groups but is there a highlight that sticks out for her so far?

42nd Street tells the story of a naïve young actress named Peggy Sawyer who has come to audition for a new Broadway musical. Unfortunately, due to her nervousness, Peggy arrives to the audition late and misses her chance.

The all singing and all dancing musical will be performed at the Britannia Theatre at 7.30pm each evening on Thursday May 22 to Saturday 24 May inclusive with a matinee performance at 2.30pm on the Saturday.

Tickets are priced at £12, £10 concessions and £8 children and are available from the Britannia Theatre Box Office telephone 01493 842209 or online at www.britannia-pier.co.uk.

ENDS