Lower Gornal's Mia shines as Princess Jasmine

The Black Country actress is playing Princess Jasmine alongside a cast that includes former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe at Marina Theatre in Lowestoft until January 1.

The show has received rave reviews and Mia, aged 20, from Lower Gornal, has been relishing the chance to have a starring role in the show's 32-performance run.

Her proud father Mark said: "We did a 400 mile round trip last weekend with family and friends to see the panto. It was great to see Mia doing what she loves and the show was fabulous.

"We were lucky enough to spend some time with Mia and the cast afterwards and they really are a great bunch.

"We’ll miss Mia being at home for Christmas but hopefully she’ll be busy every year.

"The whole family is so proud of her progress so far.”

Speaking ahead of the opening night, Mia said: "I just love anything with a bit of glitter and sparkle and I can’t wait to make people smile at Christmas – I am sure there will be a lot of laughs and happy faces and smiles walking out of the door."

Mia started her musical theatre journey in productions such as Phantom of the Opera, Sweeney Todd and Les Miserables at Ellowes Hall Sports College in Lower Gornal.

After leaving school she went on to audition and study for a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts at Birmingham Ormiston Academy, which saw her perform in shows such as Little Women and Spring Awakening.

She landed her first paid role just one year into her degree course at Performance Preparation Academy in Guildford.

Former cabinet minister, Ms Widdecombe, who starred in Strictly Come Dancing, is playing the regal and authoritative Empress of China in the family pantomime and has described Mia as 'hugely talented'.

Mark Read from boyband A1 is also involved in the show.

Mia has also appeared on stage with West End stars such a including Bonnie Langford and Samantha Spiro after a successful audition for an evening to celebrate the work of composer Stephen Sondheim at Yvonee Arnaud Theatre in Guildford.

She also studied at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Arts Educational School in London for a year before securing a place at PPA in Guildford where she begins her second year next month.

Her dream is to land a West End role or be part of a professional touring production when she graduates.