A YOUNG actress has written, sang, performed in, and directed her very first musical which was shown at the Grand Theatre in Lancaster.

Connie Evans, 19, from Wray, directed and wrote the brand-new musical Star-Crossed Summer, based on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, which made its debut on stage in the Grand Theatre on August 19.

This marked the actress’ first show as a director which featured music which she also wrote. She also performed in the lead role as Florence who is based on the character of Beatrice in the Shakespeare play.

The lifelong performer has been on stage since the age of two.

Since then, she has acted in various shows in Kendal and Lancaster.

Connie said: “Star Crossed Summer took me about two years to write, it started with the song ‘Palace, Alice’ and went from there, it took a year to record all the songs.

“It’s been a real learning curve being director. I’ve very much enjoyed it despite the stress that’s come with it. I’ve been very fortunate to have a hardworking cast.

“Next for me I’m going to do a foundation course at a drama school next year, I’m very excited.

“It was overwhelming seeing my musical on stage. Seeing the characters that lived in my head for a while come to life and be adapted by other people was quite emotional to see.

“I’m incredibly proud of my cast and want to thank them for doing an amazing job.”

Her parents, Geraint, and Stephanie, spoke with pride about their daughter’s career.

They said: “From as long as we can remember she has ‘put on shows’ for the family, using things like the clothes horse to create staging.

“She has always been writing plays, stories, and songs - it has felt like this has all been a rehearsal for what she has grown into now.

“Throughout School, Connie attended every drama group she possibly could in Lancaster and Kendal. She was part of the Brewery Arts in Kendal for many years.

“Her big break came when she played the witch in ‘Panto Pandemonium’ at her Primary school in Y6. The audience could not believe the performance she gave, singing, dancing, and ad-libbing throughout.

“She made many very small children cry as she was so convincing.

Throughout High School at QES, Connie took part in as many productions as she could.

She auditioned for the Panto at the Lancaster Grand when she was 15 and got the lead role as Robin Hood.

“This success continued into the next year when she played Aladdin.

“Connie loves Musical Theatre and as a family we have taken her to see as many shows as we can, including Broadway and the West End.

“This has all supported her own ability to put together a musical.

“When Connie was 14, she also had the chance to spend a week at the Edinburgh Fringe as part of a small theatre group. This was such an exciting opportunity.

“She travelled there and back each day to act and sing, and demonstrated her tenacity, hard work and dedication to acting.

“Connie also wrote her first musical ‘Colours of Revenge’, and this was shortly followed by ‘Star Crossed Summer’.

“Seeing her achieve such a lot this year is breath-taking. We are so proud of her. We have always encouraged her to follow her dreams. Both of us are in education, and we know how creativity, in all its senses, is sucked out of children in school to focus on academia.

“Connie has come through school clinging on to what she believes in and enjoys.

“We are delighted that she is off to LIPA next year for more training. We can’t wait to see what she does next.”

One cast member said: “I’ve worked with Connie in ‘The Secret Garden’ before this show, and it meant so much when she offered me a role in this show. Especially since it was her first show and I’d never sang before.

“I loved working on Star Crossed Summer and I know she will do amazing things in wherever her career takes her next.”

Dylan Johnson, who played Dom, said: “I loved every single minute of doing this show. With an amazing cast of people.

“This has honestly been one of my favourite parts of this year. I can't thank Connie enough for giving me this amazing opportunity.

“This really was the summer of my life.”

Daisy Langley, who played as Tia, said: "The audience were amazing and supported us the entire way through, doubling the energy. Everyone came off beaming at half time and were of course commended and encouraged to persist in the same way we had began.

Connie was fabulous, as always. She always keeps it lighthearted and fun but knows when we need to get to work and nail the details. She’s got a lot of credit to her name and we all believe this is only the beginning of her success.

"I’m so proud of everyone for their hard work and it would be an absolute pleasure to work together again on future projects."

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