A FORMER North Yorkshire student has landed a dream role as the leading lady in the musical Hairspray.

Laurie Scarth will star alongside Michael Ball as Tracy Turnblad when the production tours the UK next spring.

“It is absolutely amazing to get this part, I didn’t expect it,” said Laurie, a former student at Norton College.

“Playing Tracy is such a big role as she is on the stage so much, but it’s a brilliant part to play.”

Laurie, 24, started lessons at Kirkham Henry Performing Arts Centre when she was only three and went on to study at the Chiswick drama school in West London. She has already played pink lady Jan in Grease and Martha in High School Musical in the West End, but this is her first leading role.

“I had to go through five rounds of auditions and was on my way to a teaching job in Covent Garden when I got called back to perform in front of the whole panel. Getting this role is a dream come true. It hasn’t really sunk in yet.”

Hairspray opens in Cardiff next April with Michael, who is co-producing the show, playing Edna Turnblad, Tracy’s larger-than-life mum. The show is set in the 1960s and tells the story of Tracy, a girl with a passion for dance.

“It is an ideal role for me because I love singing, dancing and acting and in this role I get to do all three,” said Laurie.

“I can’t wait to start rehearsals in February.”

Laurie’s parents, Richard and Roxanne, who live at Swinton, said they were very proud of their daughter. “We are very pleased for Laurie. She has worked so hard to achieve her success,” said Roxanne.