Shropshire actress Katrina Themans, 14, off to stars' stage school

Katrina Themans has won a scholarship at the Barbara Speke Stage School, in London, after impressing panellists with a string a top performances.

The 14-year-old, who is a member of the Bridgnorth Stage Academy, the newly formed Jukebox Theatre Company, and the Key Theatre Academy, in Much Wenlock, will begin her two-year scholarship in September.

Katrina said: "I auditioned at the Barbara Speke Stage School which is in Acton, West London, having been sent a newspaper clipping by my aunt who lives in London.

"I never for a moment thought I would be offered a place, let alone a scholarship.

"During the audition I had to sing, dance and perform a drama passage from a play.

"I auditioned in front of a panel of people including Miss Speke, the founder of the school and an agent.

"I was Initially very surprised to be offered a scholarship and was very reluctant to go, but I am now extremely excited about the opportunity.

"I will miss my friends, teachers and volunteers, Emma Parker, Saskia Fuchs, Mike James, Bev Wightman, Jo Jackson and Lucy Key, who have all given me such opportunities."

Katrina attends Bridgnorth Endowed School and started learning ballet, tap and modern lessons at Severn Valley School of Dance in Bridgnorth from the age five, and singing lessons from six with Beverley Wightman in Bridgnorth.

Her first role was when she was chosen to play the part of Blousy Brown in Bugsy Malone at St John's Primary School.

Further performances have seen her perform as Brigitta Von Trapp in the Sound of Music, with Bridgnorth Musical Theatre Company, Alice in Alice in Wonderland, which won a Noda award for best youth musical in the region, with Bridgnorth Stage Academy and performing at the Pride Ball at Birmingham's NEC with Key Theatre Academy.

Katrina comes from a performing background with mother Sally, and father Johnny, both signing up for am-dram while at university.

Sally also singings with Bridgnorth Choral Society and her sister, Harriet, aged 18, just achieved Grade 8 in musical theatre and played Glinda in Bridgnorth Endowed School's production of Wizard of Oz.

Brother Giles, 16, also performs in school plays.

Alison Pipe, spokesman for Bridgnorth Musical Theatre Company, said: "Katrina is to be congratulated for gaining a top scholarship at a prestigious stage school in London.

"Among her many performances she will be remembered for performing the remarkable role of Alice in Bridgnorth Stage Academy's NODA Award winning, Alice – The Musical, last summer.

"She will also be remembered for playing the feisty Brigitta in The Sound of Music."

Katrina was also presented with the The Norma Sandy Memorial Award, an engraved silver salver, which was given to the academy by Paul Sandy in memory of his mother, Norma Sandy.

The award is presented each summer to a specially selected "outstanding member" of the Bridgnorth Stage Academy.

Norma was a member of Bridgnorth Musical Theatre Company's front of house team for over 35 years.