WORCESTER youngster Lottie Beck Johnson, aged 12, has beaten over a thousand other talented hopefuls, and she has been cast in this Summer’s National Youth Music Theatre UK touring production of Honk!

If that is not all, this weekend she will be performing as Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger dream, in a production of the musical Hairspray at the Norbury Theatre in Droitwich.

And in August, with Youth Music Theatre UK, she will be performing in Jabberwocky, at the Theatre Royal in Margate.

Lottie, who is a student of The Theatre Factory, and a pupil at King’s School Worcester, said she was thrilled that such a very busy time lies ahead.

First up, of course, is Theatre Factory's production of Hairspray, which will run at the Norbury from April 22 to April 23, with matinee and evening shows both days.

The character Tracy Turnblad, of Hairspray fame, wants to sing and dance on national TV. But what are Lottie's ambitions?

She said: "I’ve always wanted to perform in a big West End show and also be in films, that’s the ultimate goal for me and I’m going to work really hard for it."

What do Lottie's friends think of her success?

Lottie said: "They jokingly say they hope I’ll still be friends with them when I’m famous, but they are really great and supportive and are all coming to watch me in Hairspray."

But what about touring with Honk? Is it something she will enjoy?

Lottie said: "I’ve just come back from a week and a half residential rehearsals preparing for the tour, and it was really hard work - we were rehearsing 12 hours a day every day. The tour starts in May in Bury St Edmunds – two days before my end of year school exams which I’m not looking forward to - then it moves to London in July, then other locations after that. It’ll be great to perform in different theatres with all the different backstage set-ups and dressing rooms etc. and they look so amazing, some with three tiers of seating and private boxes.

"I also love being with all the ‘Honkers’ and we all get on really well because we’re all doing something that we love. The directors work really hard and are so professional, I’m learning so much from the whole experience."

What does Lottie most enjoy about being on stage?

She said: "It’s difficult to say, I just love performing. I like getting into character and I forget about the audience watching."

Is Hairspray her favourite musical?

Lottie said: "It’s certainly one of my favourites! I first saw Hairspray the musical at the Malvern Theatre as part of their UK tour and I absolutely loved it, it was so upbeat and fun. Since then, it’s been my dream to play the role of Tracy in it and I’m so thrilled that Theatre Factory decided to do it this year. I’ve been for a professional wig fitting and have to wear a ‘fat suit’ so it’s going to be a real challenge to do all the movements and singing with all that on, but I’m really looking forward to getting into the character of Tracy, she’s such an inspirational role."

The Norbury Theatre Box Office number is, 01905 770154.