Telford student Alice saves Miss Saigon musical

Alice Plant, 14, took over the gruelling role of Kim in the Musical Theatre Production Company's performance of Miss Saigon when lead actor Ruth Berry succumbed to a throat infection.

The Burton Borough School student had been sharing the role with Ruth over the two days of performances at Oakengates Theatre in Telford.

Deborah Owen, director of MTPC, said: "Alice played the demanding role of Kim in the 2pm performance and Ruth was playing it in the 7.30pm show.

"Everyone was panicked when, due to a throat infection, Ruth's voice wouldn't hold out any longer.

"The students made quick decisions during the famous helicopter scene to switch headsets and Alice dropped herself back into character to end the show.

"The transition was magical to watch, and Alice ended the show and sang the role proud."

The role of Kim is acknowledged as one of the toughest in musical theatre because of the vocal range, the intense acting ability required and the fact that the character is on stage for almost every scene.

Thomas Telford School pupil Ruth shared the role with Alice once the company got the chance to perform on two nights instead of the one originally planned.

The show, which was attended by Telford & Wrekin mayor Leon Murray and his wife Barbara on Saturday, was well received by audiences throughout the run.

The male lead role of Chris was played by Barney Wilkinson while Joe Rose and Dylan Evans alternated the roles of Engineer and John. Tom Miles played Kim's betrothed husband-to-be Thuy and Sasha Vandersande played Ellen, Chris's American wife.

Ms Owen added: "The comradeship of this company, along with their professionalism, is something to be commended.

"I was so proud of the quick decisions which the students made. It ran as smooth as a West End production would have, given the circumstances relating to Ruth's voice."

The Newport-based company, will perform West Side Story at The Place on November 1 and 2. Rehearsals are about to start.