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TV fame beckons for am dram Kerry

Sue Carr
3/11/2004

A FORMER science teacher is hoping to light up the stage later this year - but she won't be using a bunsen burner.

Talented Kerry Newton hits the TV screens this week in Musicality - a new series searching for amateur performers to star for a night in a classic West End musical.

The five-week programme follows the fortunes of 26 wannabes as they act, sing and dance their socks off in a bid to be picked for the hit show Chicago.

But although locals will be rooting for Kerry, the 32 year old is keeping tight-lipped about the outcome and says everyone will just have to watch.

Kerry, who boasts degrees in science and drama, struck lucky at an audition in Manchester and beat around 2,000 performers nationwide to make it to the final few.

And the big break meant she also had to quit her day job as a science teacher at Stamford High School and Droylsden High School For Girls.

She said: "I've always loved drama but I studied science at the same time as I always thought I needed a 'proper' career to fall back on.

"My parents were always in amateur dramatics groups so I've grown up with it.

"I've been in loads of amateur productions like The King and I at Tameside Hippodrome and I sing in a duo, Spirit, in lots of pubs and clubs.

"But if I win they've told us there will be loads of agents all over us and lots of media coverage, which would be fantastic as getting into acting professionally would be my dream job."

Kerry, of Berkley Crescent, Gee Cross, Hyde, has a six-year-old daughter Erin.

Musicality can be seen on Channel Four on Wednesdays at 9pm.