Former Eastern School of Performing Arts (ESPA) students from Stamford to perform in pantomimes on the West End and in Chesterfield

A rising star from Stamford is heading to the West End for the Christmas pantomime season.

Former Eastern School of Performing Arts (ESPA) student Amelia Walker is joining the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk at The London Palladium.

The 25-year-old is starring alongside Dawn French, Julian Clary, Nigel Havers and Gary Wilmot.

Amelia will also be an understudy for Alexandra Burke, who plays Mrs Blunderbore in the pantomime.

Amelia said: “I’m so excited and grateful to be the understudy for the gorgeous Alexandra Burke at The London Palladium this Christmas.

"When I got the call from my agent with the offer I was beaming.

“Our rehearsals are fully underway now - it is such a great space and the company is just incredible.

"I’m learning so much surrounded by some absolute icons.

"The room is just magic and the show is phenomenal. I feel hugely blessed to be given the opportunity and really lucky to be working with the team at Crossroads Pantomines.”

Since leaving ESPA, a performing arts school in St Peter's Hill, Stamford, Amelia trained at Liverpool Theatre School before making her West End debut in 42 Balloons at the Vaudeville Theatre earlier this year.

The performer has also appeared in Wondergirl at the Ovalhouse, SIX for Norwegian Cruiselines and the Australian tour of Wannabe – The Spice Girls Show.

Kelly-Ann Gordon, principal of ESPA, said: “We are incredibly proud of Amelia - she is an excellent role model for our current students, demonstrating that you really can reach your goals with focus, hard work and determination.

"We know that she will continue to strive towards reaching even more of her goals.

"We are very fortunate that Amelia has taught workshops and provided industry insight for many students over the past couple of years."

Miss Lincolnshire 2019 winner and former ESPA pupil Ella-Grace Bayley is also set to take on a role in a pantomine this winter.

Ella-Grace will be heading to Winding Wheel Theatre in Chesterfield to perform a production of Sleeping Beauty.

She will perform alongside Michelle Collins from EastEnders and Coronation Street, Britain’s Got Talent winner, Jai McDowall, and Art Attack host, Lloyd Warbey.

Kelly-Ann added: "Ella-Grace is another example of a student whose work ethic is exemplary, and this has resulted in her making her professional debut whilst still training, in her graduating year.

"We are sure that this is just the start of a very exciting career in the industry."