Cilla the musical, performing at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford, was covered by another one of Newsquest’s young journalists. 

This opportunity is part of an incentive being run in conjunction with the Young Reporter Scheme, open to students from 14 to 18 years of age.

Maisie Bevan from Bexleyheath Academy beat a lot of other Young Reporters to win this chance to write about the production and lead performer.  She said:  “Kara Lily Hayworth is simply spectacular – an exclusive, heart-warming performance.”

Hayworth who trained at The Central School of Speech and Drama between 2007 and 2010, originally rose to fame as a child performer in the production of Annie, whilst a pupil at the Maggie Monk School of Dancing in Chesham. 

Georgie Ketteman, former pupil and current principal of the Maggie Monk School, where Hayworth first found her love of performing, said:  “As a younger student we all looked up to Kara, she was a great performer and dancer, and had been in the West end but she was also always really nice and down-to-earth.

"She was kind to us younger girls and would chat to us and help us in rehearsals.”

Around 2,000 aspiring actors queued for four hours outside the Dominion Theatre in London’s West End, to win the prestigious part of Cilla, the gutsy Liverpudlian who rose to fame in the 60’s. 

Hayworth was plucked from obscurity to play this coveted role and said:  "It's the most amazing and special show to be a part of.” 

The show has now moved on to tour the UK and will be on the road for the next few months.  Haworth, who will be travelling as part of the cast, added: “The show has so many wonderful songs in it and a beautiful love story at its heart.  We've had a standing ovations after every single performance.”