Young Ayr star dances off with top role in Annie

Jul 25 2008 by Stuart Wilson

A RISING star has set her sights on the West End after bagging a top stage role at the age of 11.

Kid talent, Niamh Gormley, beat more than 130 girls from across Scotland to the leading part in hit musical Annie.

She’ll play one of the leading roles when the production opens in Glasgow’s Mitchell Theatre later this year.

And she’s heading to London next week for training at the school which groomed top names like Billie Piper.

Niamh, a product of Ayr’s Dansarena, revealed: “I’ve been singing and dancing since I was three and the West End is where I want to end up.

“Getting the role in Annie is really good because lots of girls auditioned and I managed to get a principal part.”

Niamh trains in ballet, jazz, tap and modern dancing, while pursuing a love for singing and acting.

She competed alongside kid star George Sampson last year – winner of TV’s Britain’s Got Talent – at a national contest called Festival4stars.

And now she’s aiming to hit the headlines herself.

Niamh, of Ayr, admitted: “I can’t wait to go to the Sylvia Young Theatre School in London.

“They’re holding a one-week summer school that teaches you everything from singing to dancing to circus acting, which improves your drama technique.

“It will be great practice for Annie.”

Niamh has just finished her first modelling shoot, for a an international dance supplies catalogue, as her career continues to soar.

Her mum, Kathleen, admits her daughter’s progress has been startling.

She said: “Niamh is a natural performer and just lights up a room when she walks in.”

And she laughed: “Somehow I’ve got three daughters who love their singing and dancing – but I’ve no idea where they get their talent from, because it’s certainly not me.

“But Niamh’s had great support from Karen Mitchell at Dansarena and her singing teacher, Isabella Dovaston, has encouraged her talent so much.

“We’re all really excited for her.”