A Kilmarnock acting starlet has been nominated for a national theatre award ahead of making her professional debut.
Rising star Niamh Lee is shortlisted at the Scottish Theatre Awards for her performance as Jemima Potts in The Lyric Club’s production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, staged at Glasgow’s King’s Theatre earlier this year.
The awards nod arrives before the 12-year-old takes to the stage for her first professional theatre contract in the forthcoming Christmas production of Scrooge The Musical at the SEC Armadillo.
Recognition for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang role
Niamh said: “I’m so happy to have been nominated and shortlisted.
“I loved playing Jemima and being part of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with The Lyric Club.
“There were so many brilliant people involved in the show, so it is really special to be recognised.
“I really didn’t expect to be shortlisted, so I’m very grateful.
“This year has already been so exciting with Chitty and then the casting in Scrooge, and I can’t wait for Christmas.
“I’ve been really lucky to work with so many talented people and I’m looking forward to learning even more when Scrooge starts.”
Scottish Theatre Awards shortlist
The Scottish Theatre Awards recognise productions and performers from across Scotland, with Niamh appearing in Category 14, Best Performer – Amateur Production.
A public vote is now underway and will remain open until the end of October.
More than 300 youngsters applied for a spot in Scrooge The Musical with only 16 children chosen to join the production that's set to run from December 12 to January 10.
Starring alongside Marti Pellow
Niamh will star alongside former Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow who will play Ebenezer Scrooge.
And Niamh has already enjoyed an introduction to the star she will appear alongside this Christmas.
She recently had the opportunity to meet and interview Marti Pellow, speaking to him about his career and his role in Scrooge.
At the time, the conversation gave Niamh the chance to hear directly from one of Scotland’s best-known performers.
She will soon be seeing him in a very different setting, as a fellow member of the same production at the SEC Armadillo.
Niamh added: “Marti Pellow is so much fun and has such amazing stories and experience to share with us. I think the audiences are going to love Scrooge”
Voting for the Scottish Theatre Awards is open now at: www.scottishtheatreawards.co.uk
“If anyone from Kilmarnock or anywhere else would like to vote for me, I would really appreciate it,” Niamh added. “Thank you to everyone who has supported me and who loves theatre as much as I do”
