A BUDDING actress had a Wicked time when she performed alongside the West End’s original Elphaba.
Arushi, from Solihull, got to meet and sing with one of her idols, Kerry Ellis, at The Palace Theatre.
The 15-year-old performer, who has studied with Stagecoach Solihull for seven years, responded to a casting call for Search for a Solo Star where Kerry sought to find young stars in the making across the country for each of her latest UK Tour dates.
Having previously performed with Stagecoach at the O2 and Regents Park Open Air Theatre, Arushi already had the creative confidence to shine in her audition.
She was selected from hundreds of applicants to perform in Kerry Ellis – Queen of the West End!
Kerry, who was the original UK Elphaba in Wicked, has long been a source of huge inspiration for Arushi who dreams of gracing the West End stage herself one day.
In addition, Sophie Grogan, an ex-Stagecoach Solihull student who attended in 1997, was also chosen to be part of the show.
Jennifer Pando, principal at Stagecoach Solihull, said: “I’m so proud to witness past and present students working together on projects.
“Sophie is an inspiration to our students, and it was a lovely twist of fate that both her and Arushi were chosen for this performance.”
