Fresh from her West End debut, a Felixstowe schoolgirl has shared what it has been like living out her dream and sharing the stage with a theatre legend. 

In April, Katie Mitton was delighted to reveal that she had scooped the role of Young Jenny in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Aspects of Love, with theatre royalty Michael Ball playing her father, George. 

For the past three months, Katie and her mother, Sarah, have been going back and forth to the Lyric Theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue in London. 

The curtain came down on Katie’s final show on Saturday. 

“This has genuinely been the happiest I have ever been, in all of my life,” said Katie, 16. 

She remembers the nerves of stepping out onstage for the first time. 

“It was a moment I’d dreamt of for so long, I was like ‘It’s got to be right; it’s got to be perfect,” she explained. 

“I came off after the bows, with everyone clapping and cheering, and I was just buzzing for the rest of the night. I didn’t stop talking about it for our whole train journey home!” 

Ipswich Star: Katie Mitton with Anna Unwin, who played the role of older Jenny in Aspects of Love. Image: Katie MittonKatie Mitton with Anna Unwin, who played the role of older Jenny in Aspects of Love. Image: Katie Mitton (Image: Katie Mitton)

Ipswich Star: Katie said that Michael Ball put the rest of the cast at ease, and 'loves to laugh'. Image: Katie MittonKatie said that Michael Ball put the rest of the cast at ease, and 'loves to laugh'. Image: Katie Mitton (Image: Katie Mitton)

Ipswich Star: Katie met Andrew Lloyd Webber at the press night party for Aspects of Love. Image: Katie MittonKatie met Andrew Lloyd Webber at the press night party for Aspects of Love. Image: Katie Mitton (Image: Katie Mitton)

Katie met the renowned composer Andrew Lloyd Webber at she show's press night, and has thoroughly enjoyed working with Michael Ball. 

“He’s so warm and easy to be comfortable around,” she said. “He always makes sure to hug us before we go onstage. 

“The first time he walked into rehearsal, it was like, ‘Whoa, it’s Michael Ball!’ But now, I can look at him and think, ‘That’s Michael Ball. I spent so much time with him, and I have memories of working with him. 

“I never thought I’d be able to say that.” 

Ipswich Star: Katie has relished the chance to work in London. Image: Katie MittonKatie has relished the chance to work in London. Image: Katie Mitton (Image: Katie Mitton)

Ipswich Star: Travelling up to London for each show has given Katie the chance to spend time with her mother, Sarah. Image: Katie MittonTravelling up to London for each show has given Katie the chance to spend time with her mother, Sarah. Image: Katie Mitton (Image: Katie Mitton)

Ipswich Star: Katie and Danielle de Niese, who played Giulietta Trapani in Aspects of Love. Image: Katie MittonKatie and Danielle de Niese, who played Giulietta Trapani in Aspects of Love. Image: Katie Mitton (Image: Katie Mitton)

Ipswich Star: Katie pictured with her mother, Sarah, and her younger sister, Willow. Image: Katie MittonKatie pictured with her mother, Sarah, and her younger sister, Willow. Image: Katie Mitton (Image: Katie Mitton)

For Katie’s mother, Sarah Mitton, the word proud does not come close.

“If you ever watch Katie onstage, you can see that’s where she is meant to be,” said Sarah. “She shines.” 

In September, Katie will begin studying at the Italia Conti Academy of Performing Arts, the prestigious drama academy based in Woking.  

To help her accept this place, Katie and her family started a fundraiser which will go towards her rent, bills, living costs and any specialist equipment she will need to buy.   

The fundraiser is still open. To contribute, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/katie-fund-her-dream-musical-theatre-training