Northern girls head west

Four talented Penwortham Priory Academy students will take to the West End stage in the summer.

 

The girls are part of Preston’s Pauline Quirk Academy (PQA), based at Priory, and will be performing a musical theatre show at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London in July.  Head Girl, Lauryn Parker, will be accompanied by three more Priory students in Holly Taylor, Lucy Southgate and Miya Atherton-Patel.

 

Year 11 Lauryn, who was the lead role of Dorothy in the school’s production of The Wizard of Oz before Christmas, will have a solo singing part.

 

“I am really excited,” said Lauryn. “I have been part of the PQA since I was in Year 7 and I performed at the London Theatre in 2016, it’s where Phantom of the Opera is based. It was a fantastic experience and it is something else.

 

“I can’t wait to do it again. It’s a musical theatre show and it’s split into parts with each of the Pauline Quirk Academies around the country rehearsing two scenes each and amazingly, despite all rehearsing separately, it does all fit together. It’s in front of a big audience and it’s an amazing time.”

 

It’s a busy time for Lauryn who is currently studying for her GCSEs – and she has high targets. “I am not sure if I just want to keep acting, singing and dancing as a hobby as it’s a welcome distraction. I will either go to Runshaw College to study A-Levels or try for a business apprenticeship at BAE Systems.”

 

It’s also the second time on the West End stage for Miya but she has got a bigger part this summer.  “I have got a character role this time and I have a singing part too so I can’t wait. It’s an amazing experience.”

 

Year 9 student Lucy added: “It’s my first time in the West End so I am so excited. I would like to be an actress so this is a big step along the way.”