Bishopbriggs starlets taking to the theatre stage

The quartet, who attend Backstage children’s musical theatre school, in Bishopbriggs, landed roles in not one, but two shows at the King’s Theatre.

Kelsey Taylor (10) and Abbey Begen (14) last week trod the boards at the famous venue in a production of ‘Calamity Jane’.

Then, in April, Kelsey will be joined by Jessica Towill (8), Ellie Blacklaw (9) and Charley Reid (9) when they play orphans in the hit musical ‘Annie’.

Backstage creative and musical director Gill Bingham said: “This a fantastic achievement for the girls and for Backstage.

There were nearly 100 hopefuls at the ‘Annie’ auditions so we were absolutely thrilled that all four of our students were selected for the show. They did a fantastic job and will be excellent ambassadors for Backstage and what we are all about. We are so proud of all of our King’s stars.”

It was first time lucky for Ellie, from Bishopbriggs, who had never been to an audition before.

She said: “When I heard I was in I was with my mum. We danced around the room and then I burst into tears. I am so excited.”

And Kelsey was delighted to be picked for both shows, saying: “My mum told me just before I went to school so I told everyone I am going to be in another show at the King’s.

“It is so exciting and my teachers were really over the moon for me.”

Mum Gaynor added: “She was quite grounded about the whole thing despite there being so many girls but has been buzzing ever since she found out she got in.

“She has been singing songs ever since.”