URMSTON’S Dorothy received a standing ovation after performing The Wizard of Oz to the public for the first time at the London Palladium on Monday.
Danielle Hope, 18, a former Highfield Primary pupil, won the coveted role of Dorothy in the BBC1 show Over the Rainbow in May.
Since then, she has been busy rehearsing for the role in Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s latest production and on February 7 performed the first preview to a packed audience at the London Palladium.
Helen Mayne, Danielle’s former teacher at Knutsford High School, was at the first show and said it had been ‘spectacular’.
“There was a standing ovation at the end of the performance and when Danielle came on stage pretty much the whole auditorium was on its feet.
“She also got a very loud cheer and round of applause when she first came on stage.
“I’m so incredibly proud of everything that she has achieved, it is testament to the person that she is - a very special performer.
“Danielle is really enjoying herself and looking forward to welcoming a new audience every night and taking them to Oz,” she said.
One person who can’t wait to see the show is Danielle’s proud Nana, Ann Radley, who has preview tickets for a show on February 17 along with her husband Peter, Danielle’s younger brother David and her great Aunt and Uncle.
“I’m very excited, I just can’t wait to see Danielle up there on the stage and see how this play has evolved.
“She has been working 15 hour days doing rehearsals and absolutely loving it,” Ann said, adding that Danielle came back to Urmston when she could to ‘keep her feet on the ground’.
Ann also has tickets to see Danielle perform in March, when she alongside family and friends will pack three coaches to travel down to London.
source: messenger
