A leading lady who delivered a stellar performance at Ipswich’s biggest theatre this Christmas has just been nominated for a national award. 

Eliza Walker from Rushmere St Andrew captivated audiences with her performance as Wendy in the Regent’s Peter Pan pantomime.  

She has now been nominated for a UK Pantomime Award 2023, in the category of Best Early Career Newcomer. 

“It was a reward in itself to be able to perform in my hometown, in a theatre I’ve been to so many times before – and working with Darren Day!” said Miss Walker, 21. 

“Now, to be put forward for an actual award is just amazing.” 

 

Ipswich Star: Eliza worked alongside actors who have appeared on our television screens, including EastEnder's star Matt Lapinskas. Credit: Toby Lown, NewsquestEliza worked alongside actors who have appeared on our television screens, including EastEnder's star Matt Lapinskas. Credit: Toby Lown, Newsquest (Image: Toby Lown, Newsquest)

Miss Walker bested 28 hopefuls for the role of Wendy in open auditions, which were held at the Regent in September. 

“I actually sang ‘Finding Wonderland’ as my audition song,” said Miss Walker. “Originally, that song was not meant to be in the show, but they liked it so much from my audition that they put it in.” 

At her recall, Miss Walker read lines from the script – but was taken aback when the panel asked if she could “quickly prepare a pop song” to sing there and then. 

“I rushed to the bathroom and got out my folder, thinking ‘What can I sing?’” remembers Miss Walker.  

She settled on a Queen song, which proved an excellent choice. 

When the call came to offer her the role, the answer was “100 per cent yes!” 

Ipswich Star: Eliza Walker starred as Wendy Darling. Picture:Enchanted EntertainmentEliza Walker starred as Wendy Darling. Picture:Enchanted Entertainment (Image: Enchanted Entertainment)

Rehearsals took place over an intense two-week period. 

“Two weeks doesn’t sound like a long time, but the days were long,” explained Miss Walker. “By the fourth day, we had the show done, and it was just a case of running through it again and again.” 

Ipswich Star: Eliza Walker, 21, has been nominated for Best Newcomer. Picture: Enchanted EntertainmentEliza Walker, 21, has been nominated for Best Newcomer. Picture: Enchanted Entertainment (Image: Enchanted Entertainment)

Peter Pan choreographer Kerry Blaskett-Weatherall was nominated for Best Choreography. 

Simon Sladen, chair of the UK Pantomime Association, said: “After what for many venues was a record breaking pantomime season in 2022/2023, we can’t wait to celebrate the wide array of excellence in the genre at The Pantomime Awards this April. Pantomime is one of the most exciting, vibrant forms of theatre, entertaining millions of people each festive season."

Ipswich Star: Eliza Walker in Peter Pan. Picture: Enchanted EntertainmentEliza Walker in Peter Pan. Picture: Enchanted Entertainment (Image: Enchanted Entertainment)

Miss Walker said that she has other exciting projects in the pipeline for later this year – but cannot reveal any more just yet.