Derbyshire youngsters to star in musical Her Benny

Eleven year old Liam Jackson, of Newbold, has been cast as a young orphan who claws his way up from street urchin to eventual gentleman in Victorian England.

Liam, a student at Directions Arts Musical Theatre School in Chesterfield, has participated in showcases at the Pomegranate Theatre in 2013 and 2014 and performed at Disneyland Paris. He also showcased at Can You Dance? Leeds this summer where was a member of the winning troupe.

“The part of Benny is a challenging one,” says Anne Dalton, writer and director of Her Benny. “He is honest yet streetwise, tough yet sensitive. The part is bigger than most juvenile lead roles in musicals and I am delighted to have found a youngster who is just perfect for the role.

“Due to his age and the licensing laws, he will share the performances required for the role with two other local performers.”

The professional adult touring cast will be supported by other local performers aged between 8 and 18 who beat off fierce competition to win places in the production.

Chloe Anderson, 14,plays Benny’s friend Sniffer, Lauren Wadsworth, 13, is Younger Eva, Josh Preston, 11, and Harry Bradford, 12, share the role of Perks with Rebekah Radford, 9, as Younger Maisie.

The show is at the Pomegranate from October 31 to November 2. For tickets, contact 01246 345 222 or www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk.