Teenage star in the making

A stellar future has been predicted for the Lewsey Farm teenager who played the leading role of Pearl Johnson in Kerrie Duncan’s work-in-progress, Ballroom California, at Luton Library Theatre last week.

The enthusiastic audience clapping and cheering and roaring for more included television favourite Kevin Whately.

And the man who made his name in Morse said: “She was absolutely fantastic, a terrific talent, phenomenal. I was really impressed.”

His friend and fellow actor Michael Howe couldn’t believe the Bedford College student was only 16.

He said: “She’s got real stage presence. She’s relaxed, warm, funny and very entertaining.”

Ballroom California had a rapturous reception.

Producer and scriptwriter Kerrie Duggan, daughter of former Dunstable landlord Declan Duggan, is hoping to attract financial backing to transfer the show to the West End.

She said: “We’re looking for potential partners to work with us taking this to the next stage - a full length musical with a four to eight week run.”

And when this mum-of-one achieves her ambition, it will really put Dunstable on the map.

The fictional story about the love affair between Pearl and Oscar is loosely based on the town’s famous former venue, the ‘Cali.’

In the 1960s and 1970s, it was the largest and most popular music venue outside London, renowned for its legendary rock star line up.

It was also where legions of young lovers met their future spouses. This magical musical brings that exciting era back to life.