Showtime for ambitious Stef

By akerr

A YOUNG Lichfield performer is putting on a show to help her take up a place with the National Youth Theatre.

Stefanie Walker, aged 18, is hoping as many people as possible will come along to the fund-raiser next week so that she can join the prestigious company for its summer training course in London.

"I love drama so I am really, really grateful for this amazing opportunity," Stefanie told the Mercury.

The former King Edward VI pupil is organising an evening of entertainment including a quiz, sketches, music, food and a raffle on Saturday, June 13.

She is committed to the performing arts and has taken part in numerous school plays and musicals in recent years.

Stefanie played Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed a production of The Crucible and has won the Lichfield Festival Poetry Speaking Competition three times.

As a member of the Lichfield Players she took on the role of Margery Pinchwife in The Country Wife at the Garrick, and she will also be in the Lichfield Mysteries for the fourth time and appear in Shakespeare In The Park's production of Macbeth.

Stefanie competed against over 4,000 other young people to win her place at NYT, former members of which include Daniel Day Lewis, Dame Helen Mirren and Orlando Bloom.

The summer training course costs £900 and fund-raising is expected and encouraged.

Stefanie's fund-raiser will take place at St Joseph's School Hall, Cherry Orchard, at 7pm.

Tickets at £5, including food, are available on 01543 304119 or on the door.

Any sponsorship would also be gratefully received.

Money would go to NYT, registered charity 306075, and Wateraid. Contact Stefanie on 01543 304119 if you can help.