Published: Wednesday, 28th July, 2010 9:30am
Dunfermline youngster takes to stage
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A DUNFERMLINE youngster will get the chance of a lifetime tonight (Thursday) after winning a part in a youth production of West End smash musical 'Billy Elliot'.
Caitlin Anderson (11), of Chestnut Grove, won the Press' competition offering a spot on the Youth Music Theatre Scotland's (YMTS) production of the show at the Alhambra Theatre.
She is one of around 35 kids aged eight to 17 - half of whom are from Dunfermline - taking part in the show, which premieres tonight.
Caitlin, who has just finished Primary 7 at Canmore Primary, will be playing 'Susan Parks', a ballet dancer.
She grinned, "There's a bit in one of the dances where Susan gets it wrong - I basically have to look like a spastic starfish!
"I'm loving it - it's hard work but it's so much fun and I've made so many new friends.
"It's what I've always wanted to do - I love dancing, singing and acting and I imagine performing in the West End in front of all those people."
However, Caitlin thought she had missed out after the e-mail informing her of her win went astray.
She said, "The call came before I was awake. My sister took it and because nobody was home, she asked them to send it to me in an e-mail.
"She only told us about it that afternoon and we spent ages looking for the e-mail.
"We later found it in my junk folder - all that panic for nothing!
"When I found out I was ecstatic and running around the house screaming at the top of my voice!"
Rehearsals have been running since 17th July, and Caitlin said she has learnt plenty.
She explained, "I used to sing through my nose but I've learnt how to hold myself properly and that's sorted itself out. And I used to trip over my feet but my dance steps have really improved now!"
She's looking forward to tonight - and already has plans to perform in high school.
She said, "I'm so excited - I've been going home and practising for it. I'm going to Dunfermline High and they're thinking of doing Grease for a school production - it's one of my favourite musicals and I can't wait!"
Rebecca Petford, YMTS associate producer, said, "Rehearsals have been fantastic. All the kids are doing really well and learning very fast.
"They're very enthusiastic and really excited - they're just getting on with learning their lines and dances and looking forward to getting out on stage and performing in front of an audience.
"The Billy Elliot experience is only being done in 115 schools across the UK so it's a unique experience that they might not get anywhere else."
'Billy Elliot' runs until Saturday. Showtimes are 7.30pm and 2.30pm (Saturday). Tickets cost £10 (£5 concessions) and are available from the Alhambra box office on 740384.
Have your say. .
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kelty115
Unregistered User
Jul 29, 15:14
Comment: 12707
Well done to Caitlin Anderson but her parents should explainto her what the word "spastic" means. She might think twice about using it so freely
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Disgustedparent
Unregistered User
Jul 29, 16:30
Comment: 12709
The comment on the 'spastic starfish' is not something that Caitlin made up herself, this is a comment from the 'Billy Elliot' script. As Caitlin's mother, I can assure you that she fully understands the meaning of the word and she is an extremely empathetic young girl who would never mock anyone with a disability and infact has an much loved uncle who is in a wheelchair. I think kelty115 should consider an 11 year olds feeling's before making such a post and attempting to take away the excitement from her success. I will have to ensure she does not see this comment as it will considerably hurt her, in the same way it has angered me.
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WeegieGran
Unregistered User
Jul 29, 23:25
Comment: 12729
I have just returned from seeing this show and it was fab I thoroughly enjoyed it . with regard to kelty 115's comment He or she has jumped in with their "big size elevens" because it is as Caitlin's mother said Spastic Starfish is indeed part of the script and not something that Caitlin made up herself Why do some sad people have to see the bad side of something without actually seeing things for themselves Caitlin was very good in the show and I hope she achieves her acting ambitions
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Scope member
Unregistered User
Aug 4, 09:25
Comment: 12839
The comments made by Kelty115 may well upset your daughter and anger yourself, however the quote that was made by your daughter will upset and anger far more people. And quite rightly so. Whether the comment is used in Billy Elliot itself is, frankly, quite irrelevant. It is utterly insensitive and offensive in the real world. It is actually considered the most insulting word that one can call a person with disabilities. The word bastard (and worse) is used throughout also. Would you advocate your daughter using that word quite so freely in an interview at 11 years old. If you have explained the correct meaning ot the phrase, you should have ensured that she did not then use it inappropriately. There is no where quite as inappropriate as to the press.
You have been extremely naive with the press, as this sort of comment will come back to haunt her in the future. More disturbingly you do not seem to have the ability to empathise yourself as you seem unaware of the offence this comment will cause and make no apology for, in your opinion, it being misconstrued. And it will be, by the 1000,s who have never seen Billy Elliot.
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Rosythmum
Unregistered User
Aug 4, 13:02
Comment: 12840
Couldnt agree more with the last comment. Well written 'scope member'!!
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1234
Unregistered User
Aug 13, 18:08
Comment: 13002
well even if she did say that not knowing it would hurt people (as from hearing it in the show) the press is just as bad for printing it !
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