I'd Do Anything - Rachel hopes for stage stardom in Oliver!

May 7 2008 By Caireen Kelly

A HAMILTON girl will be aiming for stardom next week when she takes to the stage in an amateur production of Oliver at the Mitchell Theatre in Glasgow.

Rachel Mackie (11), a pupil at Woodhead Primary, is “extremely excited” about landing a part in the hit musical.

Rachel has been attending The Scottish School of Musical Theatre in Motherwell since she was just four years old and mum Janet (36) said her daughter has always been a “born performer.”

At the Motherwell studio, Rachel does tap, modern and jazz dancing as well as musical theatre and singing.

Janet said: “She definitely wants to hit the big time. She is desperate to take part in the X-Factor or Pop Idol, but I think that this production in Glasgow is enough for the time being.

“Taking part in these productions has been a great experience for her and has really helped to improve her confidence.”

Two years ago, Rachel was pictured in a national newspaper, when she was taking part in another production with the same company. She enjoyed that small taste of fame so much that when she was out and about afterwards she kept asking her mum why nobody was recognising her.

Supportive Janet and her fiance Alex Turner (32) are 100 per cent behind Rachel in her dream to become the next acting sensation.

Proud Janet added: “I am extremely happy for her, but the whole process of being chosen for Oliver was a bit nerve-racking as we had to go through rounds of auditions, but it was worth it. We are fully behind Rachel because we know this is what she wants to do and it will make her happy, and that is all that matters to me.”

Rachel will be forming part of the chorus in Caring City’s production of Oliver which begins at the Mitchell Theatre in Glasgow next Tuesday until Saturday.

Tickets are priced at £12.50 for Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday Matinee, and £15 for Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening shows.

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