A DUNFERMLINE actress has returned "home" after making her professional Edinburgh stage debut in Les Misérables.

Former St Columba's High School pupil Megan Gardiner is living her lifelong dream of performing in a top nationwide tour.

Having made her theatrical debut with the cast in its sell-out run in the Festival Theatre, she is the second cover Cosette and looks set to have a bright future in the business.

She said: “Performing in a show like Les Misérables has always been a dream of mine and it’s great to be sharing the stage with so many talented performers night after night."

The 20-year-old graduated from the MGA Academy of Performing Arts in Edinburgh in 2017, and began auditioning for professional jobs immediately.

She quickly landed a role in the Wizard of Oz before being put forward for an audition for Les Mis. After impressing casting directors during five gruelling rounds of auditions and workshops, Megan was cast in the show.

Megan said: "I think it’s so important to be proud of where you’re from and I’m so grateful for the training I received at the MGA Academy.

“Being cast in The Wizard of Oz within a year of graduating was a big confidence boost for me. Performing in the show was a great introduction to working in the theatre world and I really enjoyed it.

“After being offered my dream role in Les Mis, I spent five weeks rehearsing in London. It was nerve-wracking at first but I loved the fast-paced nature of it all. Seeing the audiences' reaction to the show every night has to be my favourite part. Their joy is so real and there really is no other feeling like it.”

As a teenager, Megan was a member of numerous youth theatre groups, including Limelight Productions in Dunfermline.

Her desire to pursue a career as a professional performer was fuelled by trips to see musicals and theatre productions in Scotland and in London’s West End.

In 2014, Megan impressed staff at the MGA Academy after travelling to Edinburgh to audition for a place on their full-time musical theatre course. She was delighted when, days later, she received a letter of acceptance that allowed her to live in Scotland while studying at a level equivalent to prestigious London performing arts colleges.

To apply for a place at the MGA Academy of Performing Arts, visit www.themgaacademy.com/apply