Last updated 16:13, Thursday, 02 October 2008

MAMA MIA: Performing arts student Paige Cook was chosen to study at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London this year. JOE RILEY REF: 0449267

HER dream of West End stardom is almost in touching distance.
Six nights a week of acting, singing and dancing have paid off for 16-year-old Paige Cook.
The multi-talented Dalton teenager has won a place at the top theatre school, Italia Conti Academy.
Paige has just started a Diploma in performing arts at the prestigious London school.
The former Dowdales pupil is determined to become a professional performer. She says it is a dream come true to get a place on the three year course, as she knows that it can be a stepping stone to success.
Paige is following in the footsteps of many famous ex-pupils such as former X-Factor judge Sharon Osbourne, actresses Claire Goose, Martine McClutcheon, Claire Sweeney, and Patsy Kensit, entertainer Bonny Langford, model, actress and presenter Kelly Brook and super model Naomi Campbell.
Ahead of her first day on the course Paige said: “It’s always been a dream of mine to go to stage school. I really want to be in this profession. I want to get paid to do this. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. I’d like to be in the West End as a leading lady. I’d love to be in Les Miserables and Chicago.”
Paige has been entertaining Furness audiences for more than 10 years, but she said:”I’m dead nervous because I don’t know anyone, but I just want to get in there and enjoy it and make new friends.”
The teen had to audition for one of the exclusive places, and she did not think she had a chance this year. But she impressed with a scene from Educating Rita and a reading of Shakespeare’s Juliet. She also picked up ballet in just four months in time for the auditions.
As well as Italia Conti Paige was also offered places at Laine Theatre Arts, Stella Mann College and The London Drama School.
She said: “I went this year to see what I was up against. I did not expect to get in at all. When I found out I just could not believe it. I’m absolutely delighted.”
Paige started out as a dancer at the age of two as her mum Dawn is a dance teacher with Dance Tazia. But then the family discovered she has a wonderful singing voice, and could also act.
Paige’s first show was Barrow Amateurs’ Annie. She was six and played an orphan. Since then Paige has been involved in most Furness theatre groups such as Barrow Amateurs, Walney Juniors Amateur Operatic Society, Abbey Musical Society and many variety shows.
With Walney Juniors she has starred as Anna, in The King and I, Miss Hannigan in Annie and Eponine in Les Miserables. With Barrow Amateurs she was Hope Harcourt in Anything Goes.
Paige has already performed at the world famous Royal Albert Hall with a 40-strong choir, alongside the BBC Concert Orchestra.
The South Cumbria Music Festival winner has also had a part as an extra in the BBC drama Waterloo Road, through Stagecoach Kendal.
She said: “I’m a nervous wreck before I go on stage, but once I’m on stage I just get into character. I look at the audience and I want them to enjoy it.”
Paige, who also helps her mum with dance coaching, says she has learnt a lot from being in the chorus of shows as well as the leading parts.
The rising star is now living just outside London with her dad, Tony, who is now working close to the capital so he can be with his young daughter.
Amazingly Paige also finds the time to be a backing singer in her dad’s glam rock band Gobstopper.
Her mum, Dawn, said: “We have always know that she’d do this. We thought she’d do this at 18, so we were really quite shocked that it’s happened now, we thought she’d need to do another year of ballet.
“I can’t imagine Paige doing anything else. It’s all she’s ever wanted to do.”
Paige’s fees for the three year course are £36,000. She gratefully received a £500 cheque from Andrew Bond, a
co-ordinator of the Barrow Children’s Theatre Workshop, a group that Paige was in as a youngster, and £100 from Furness Building Society.
Paige has thanked all the people who helped her, including family, friends, tutors and the performers she has worked with across the area.
She said: “Im really grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way. There is a lot of talent in Furness for such a small area.”
Mr Bond said: “Paige is a very talented girl. She is prepared to listened and work hard.
“She can sing, dance and act. It’s very rare that you get someone who has all three in abundance.
“I wish her well, she is a great kid. Italia Conti is one of the top schools and those people have seen something in her in a short space of time.”