Introducing: Helena Blackman
From: Southampton but Lives in London
Age: 23
Occupation: Performer and waitress
Family: Younger sister Clare.
Experience: Professional for two years. Went to Guildhall School of Acting

A professional actress and singer, Helena has been classically trained since she was 12. She won a scholarship from her local county council before getting a place at the Guildhall School of Acting. Last year, Helena spent seven months working at Disney in Tokyo. She would perform in a daily show Encore - medleys of Musical Theatre songs - five shows a day, six days a week! She has sung at many a music festival buit is also partial to a bit of karaoke.

She comes from a musical family - her father played the clarinet and used to be in the choir. It was Helena's mum who decided Helena should be on the road to stardom and sent her to private singing and drama lessons.

As well as doing part-time waitressing work, Helena also works for a company called Perform. She teaches movement and song to children aged 4 - 7 years.

Her favourite artists include Elton John, Take That and Lucy Silvas.

When did you first realise you had a talent for singing?
When I started to get into school shows and get named parts.

What is your favourite musical?
The Phantom of the Opera, Les Mis, Carousel, West Side Story, The Sound of Music.

Who is your favourite character in a musical and why?
Christine (Phantom) - what a journey she goes on! And what a massive responsibility for a lead vocalist, not unlike Maria! Everyone tells me I should play this part!

What qualities do you have similar to those of Maria?
I love to play, I'm no shrinking violet, I believe in being fair and standing up for what is right and true, I'm responsible, I don't always act like a lady, I work with children, I'm happy-go-lucky, everything around me effects me especially nature, I'm emotional and wear my heart on my sleeve.

Why should you be the next Maria?
I can sing the part, I can perform the part, I have the stamina to do six shows a week and I won't let cast and crew down. To be a lead role in a West End show is my dream, many performers strive to accomplish this goal all their lives. I could continue to do what I'm doing now and perform in a professional capacity, enjoy and make a living out of it, but to be given this ultimate gift and now, at this stage in my life - it's mind blowing and what's more to be the part of Maria, I never thought I'd have that particular opportunity.

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