Young actress Lucy Annable has been talent spotted while appearing in a show at the Alhambra.

Lucy, 16, played the lead role of Belle in a recent production of the musical Beauty and the Beast, presented by Stage 84.

Sitting in the audience was Leeds dramatist Kay Mellor, a patron of the Idle theatre school, who was impressed by Lucy’s performance. “Kay loved the show and was particularly taken with Lucy,” said Stage 84 principal Valerie Jackson.

“She has written a new drama series, The Syndicate, and after seeing Lucy in Beauty and the Beast she has offered her a part, in which she has to sing and act. This is a terrific opportunity for her.”

Lucy’s first stage appearance was aged nine in The Wiz, with the Northern Academy of Performing Arts. She has appeared in amateur shows across the district and is currently studying musical theatre at Park Lane College, in Leeds.

Lucy, of Cononley, near Keighley, appeared with other Stage 84 students in Madama Butterfly at St George’s last night.