OPPORTUNITY has knocked for a 16-year-old student who is to appear in a new show.Bethany Allard, a Stowmarket High School sixth form student who is taking performance studies at A-level, will sing in the Andy Mawbey production later this month at Thameside Theatre in Essex.

OPPORTUNITY has knocked for a 16-year-old student who is to appear in a new show.

Bethany Allard, a Stowmarket High School sixth form student who is taking performance studies at A-level, will sing in the Andy Mawbey production later this month at Thameside Theatre in Essex.

Bethany, a Happy Feet Dance School pupil, performed at a recent show with the group and so impressed Mr Mawbey that he invited her to appear as the special guest artist at his forthcoming show Swing from the Apple II.

Her father Eric Allard said: “She loves singing and would like to make a career in the industry. She is really chuffed, and a little nervous, she does not want to let anyone down. We are so proud of her.”

Mari Green, school principal, said: “Bethany is excited and thrilled to be given such a fantastic opportunity to perform in a professional show and has been practising hard for the big day.

“I know she will give a great performance, she is very talented and always works so hard. Adult tap dancers from the school have also been invited to appear and have even been practising their dances on the beach in the summer holiday determined to be foot perfect for the big day.

“Other school pupils are also looking forward to their own opportunities this new term too, they will be appearing in performances including an appearance at Shaftesbury Theatre in London's West End, the current home of Hairspray.”