Welsh Schoolgirls Land Leading Role In TIGER BAY THE MUSICAL

Wales Millennium Centre announced two young locals who have secured one of the leading roles for its next original stage production, Tiger Bay the Musical.

Plucked from an open audition process in Butetown in December 2016, Louise Harvey, 9 from Rhiwbina and Ruby Llewelyn, 11 from Llantrisant will share the part of Ianto - an orphan boy, who is really a girl, dreaming of a better life.

While Ruby has previous acting experience, this will be Louise's first ever foray into the performing arts. They will take to the Wales Millennium Centre stage in November for the world premiere following two months rehearsing and preview performances at Artscape Opera House in Cape Town, South Africa.

Louise, who attends Ysgol Y Wern in Llanishen, said "I was so shocked when I got offered the part as it was my first audition. I am so very grateful. I am very excited to visit South Africa. I can't wait to start the official rehearsals and meet the rest of the cast!"

Ruby, who attends Cowbridge Comprehensive and is a keen musician playing cello with the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, said: "I found out I had got the role the night before Christmas Eve, which was the best Christmas present. At first it was like I'd won a competition but it is starting to sink in now that I am going to Cape Town and be in a musical. It's just a dream come true."

Tiger Bay the Musical will bring to life the rich cultural history which helped shape the future of the Capital. The role of Ianto is pivotal within the storyline as it explores intergenerational and class relationships in the early 1900s when Cardiff Bay was one of the busiest and multicultural ports in the world.

Graeme Farrow, Artistic Director of Wales Millennium Centre said: 'We held open auditions in Butetown to give local talent a really good chance of attending the auditions. Finding Ruby and Louise who only live a few miles away is a gift to us and will help us tell the awe inspiring story of Tiger Bay in the early 1900s with authenticity and passion.'

Tiger Bay the Musical is being produced in association with Cape Town Opera, maintaining the long-standing relationship with South Africa born from one of the Centre's original philanthropists, South African businessman, Sir Donald Gordon.

The world premiere of Tiger Bay will be Wednesday 15 November 2017 at Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff (preview performance on Tuesday 14 November) and the production will run for two weeks until Saturday 25 November 2017.

Tickets are available £7-£39 and can be booked online at www.wmc.org.uk or via the Centre's Ticket Office in person or by calling 029 2063 6464.