Middle Fourth pupil, Ananya Kailasam, has been cast as Annie, the title character in British Theatre Academy’s upcoming performance of Annie Junior happening in January.
This follows on from Ananya’s run of success earlier this year. In the summer she successfully gained a scholarship to attend the West End Music Theatre School, a professional training programme for the top young musical theatre performers. She has filmed a music video with them, as well as been in a short film, and will be part of the West End Sings Christmas Concert later this year. Annie will be Ananya’s fourth production with the British Theatre Academy following lead roles in Matilda, Moana and 13.
Ananya said: “Theatre is something I have always wanted to do. I have been performing in small shows from the age of seven. It is so exciting that I now have the opportunity to perform in the West End.
I have had a lot of help from my music teachers at Epsom. Mrs Johnson-Hyde, my singing teacher, is a really key part in making sure I choose the right song for particular auditions. We go through them together until they sound good. She has also helped me with my singing technique and my performance skills.
Other teachers, like Mr Johns, have helped me gain the confidence I need to get up in front of a panel of casting directors and judges and give it my all.”
Photography by Eliza Wilmot Photography
