One way ticket to Loserville

FORMER X Factor contestant Sarah Watson has bagged herself a role in a new musical written by former Busted band member James Bourne and composer Elliot Davis after finely tuning her vocal range and passion for acting in Wakefield.

The 17-year-old from Thornes, who flew to singer Kelly Rowland’s house in LA after making it through to the judges’ houses stage in the 2011 talent-scouting show, said she used this experience to prepare herself for the spotlight as Suzie Alpine in Loserville at West Yorkshire Playhouse next month.

She said: “I think I matured about three years during the time I spent involved in the X Factor auditions.

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“The people were great and it was an incredible experience but it made me realise that I wanted to do something that was more based in acting than just singing.

“That is why musical theatre is such a great opportunity for me, and I feel so lucky to be a part of this and James has done such an amazing job writing the songs for the show.

“My character is a bit of a tomboy and I can really relate to her so it makes my job a lot easier than it could be.”

The play – which also stars singers Gareth Gates and Lil’ Chris – is set in 1971 and follows four friends preparing to tackle the bigger world outside high school when all of sudden they notice the irresistible distraction of girls.

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Sarah, who was a member of Wakefield Youth Music Club at the city’s Theatre Royal, said: “I absolutely love the show and it couldn’t be better suited to me because I strongly believe in what it is trying to say to the audience.

“The script does a great job of touching on themes and feelings that everyone will understand or have felt at one time in their lives.

“The message the writers are trying to get across is that no matter who you are, if you have a dream that you believe in, you can do anything you want.”

This certainly seems to be true for the former Horbury High School pupil, who has gone from strength to strength in the industry after entering the X Factor competition.

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Sarah added: “I know now this is exactly what I want to be doing and I owe a lot to the Wakefield Youth Music club and even though I’m a little nervous about the dancing in the show, I’m lucky to have so many experienced people around to help me.”

Loserville hits the stage at West Yorkshire Playhouse from June 18 to July 14.

Tickets cost between £17 and 27. To book, visit www.wyp.org.uk or call the box office on 0113 213 7700.

GEORGINA WATSON

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