Bright lights beckon former St Richard's student

Talented Olivia Cooper, 19, has been studying Performing Arts and Dance Teacher Training for the past three years at Italia Conti Arts Centre in Guildford, and is due to graduate in July.

Born in Australia, Olivia moved to Bexhill when she was eight years old and enjoyed several years training at Bexhill Dance Works and East Sussex School of Performing Arts (ESSPA).

She went on to perform with well-known local group The Hastletines, and appeared in various local shows, including pantomimes at the De La Warr Pavilion and the White Rock theatre, before being offered the scholarship with Italia Conti.

Olivia's mum, Theresa Cooper, said the past few weeks have been hectic for her only daughter, for along with auditioning for the part in the Blues Brothers show, Olivia also had a brush with Royalty: "In recent weeks she performed in a dance troupe at the Royal Tattoo at Windsor and was invited to meet Princess Anne."

Olivia has just arrived in Japan and her role in the Blues Brothers Party Show will be as a 'Sensational Soul Sister' singer and dancer.

When the four week stint in Japan comes to an end, Theresa said all being well, the show will continue on to tour in Europe and she thinks it's a great start to Olivia's professional career:

"Olivia is looking forward to doing what she loves '“ touring and performing. I'm extremely proud of her; she has worked so hard to get to this point, this is a wonderful opportunity and she is very excited to be part of such a dynamic show."

She added: "Olivia will always be thankful for her early years of training in Bexhill and maybe one day she will return to Bexhill to teach dance. She would love to work on cruise ships but her ultimate dream is to perform in the West End."