Katy relishes role in summer production

The youth project – the largest of its kind in Northern Ireland – provides a platform for aspiring young performers from across the Province by allowing them to take part in full scale productions.

Following on from the success of last year’s show, Bugsy Malone, the project will this year perform a musical adaptation of the Ugly Duckling called Honk!

Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s well-known tale, the musical comedy tells the story of an odd-looking baby duck, Ugly, and his quest to find his mother.

And 15-year-old Larne Grammar School pupil Katy Tweed, who has been cast as one of the lead characters in the production, told the Times she was “over the moon” about her role and was relishing the chance to showcase her talents in front of a large audience.

“I had a small part in last year’s performance of Bugsy Malone at the Opera House, so I am delighted to have been selected for a much bigger role in this year’s show,” she added.

“This is my first major part in a big production and my family have told me that they are really proud of me.

“I am looking forward to performing in front of all them and my friends. I just love acting, singing and dancing and so this is a really exciting opportunity for me.”

Katy has been a student of local speech and elocution tutor Gladys Herberts for over 10 years. She also studies music at school and attends drama classes at weekends.

“I want to thank all my teachers for helping me get this far, including Mrs Herberts, my singing teacher Judith Watson, and my piano tutor Hazel Nelson,” Katy added.

Honk! will be performed at the Grand Opera House from Thursday, July 26 - Sunday, July 29, and tickets range from £14 - £16. To purchase tickets or find out performance times, visit www.goh.co.uk/honk