West End role is ‘best present ever’ for Chloe
A Strath schoolgirl has been picked to perform alongside acting legend Dame Maureen Lipman in London’s spectacular ‘West End Does: Christmas’ show this month.
Talented dancer and singer Chloe Bloice (12) from Balgowan will travel to Cadogan Hall, in the heart of the capital’s Chelsea, to take part in the concert featuring an all-star West End cast on December 19.
A delighted Chloe said: “From the age of six, I have dreamt about being on a West End stage – so this is the best Christmas present ever.
“This will be my first trip to London, so my whole family – mum Susie, dad Gary and younger sisters Lily and Ella – are going to the capital to stay while I rehearse and hopefully see some of the sights, including Hamleys toy shop, Harrods and the London Eye.”
Chloe, who is a pupil at Kilgraston near Bridge of Earn, secured her part in the musical theatre production through performing arts school Stage Box, in Edinburgh, where she attends classes each week.
Mum Susie said: “Kilgraston has been incredibly accommodating with her hectic rehearsal schedule.
“Chloe regularly attends Front and Centre Musical Theatre training weeks and, together with LAMDA Musical Theatre and Acting grades taken at school, singing with Perth’s Fair City Singers and the school’s choir, it is a lot to fit in – but she just absolutely lives for life on the stage.”
Chloe started her musical theatre career in a Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s production of ‘Scrooge’, where she played the role of Tiny Tim.
Chloe said: “That experience gave me confidence and, even when I had lots of butterflies, everyone encouraged me to keep going, which is so important.”
Being on a drama scholarship at Kilgraston has helped Chloe combine academic lessons with the performing arts.
Her singing teacher, Coleen Nicoll rehearsed the song, ‘Almost Nearly Perfect,’ from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which was used as part of Chloe’s audition to get the West End part.
Chloe added: “It was great to record the song in familiar surroundings.”
Kilgraston head teacher, Dorothy MacGinty, commented: “We have all taken such pleasure in charting Chloe’s progress within the arts and are immensely proud of her many achievements. Watching youngsters’ pursue their passion is what childhood should be all about.”