AN ACTRESS from Portland is to play a leading role in The Sound Of Music on stage in London.

Former Wey Valley School pupil Kerry Winter, 21, has been performing at the London Palladium as a nun in the show since it opened in the beginning of November.

As well as playing her own part in the musical, Kerry was asked to understudy Liesl, the 16-year-old daughter of Captain von Trapp, and the lead role of Maria.

Kerry will get a chance to step into the spotlight as Liesl, a role which includes two duets and a dance number, on Monday.

Proud parents Denise and Richard will be travelling to London from their home in Moorfield Road, Easton, to watch their daughter in the show.

Mrs Winter said: "I think that Kerry is really looking forward to it although I am sure she will be nervous when it gets nearer the night."

She added that Kerry had to have her hair cut short when she became the understudy for the role of Maria so she will wear a wig to play Liesl.

Maria is normally played by Connie Fisher, who was chosen for the part through the televised talent competition How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?

On Monday, Miss Fisher is taking part in the Royal Variety Performance so the actor who normally plays Liesl will take the role of Maria.

Kerry said: "I am really excited. This week we have had so many rehearsals because Liesl is on stage quite a lot with the children.

"The children are great, they are really helping me. I am looking forward to the dance number with Rolf."

She said that she was most worried about the nine costume changes she will have to make.

Kerry said several friends and her boyfriend were coming to watch the performance and that she was planning a party afterwards.

Mrs Winter said: "Kerry has wanted to do musicals since she was about 12. When she was younger she was in WOW Youth Musical Theatre. She is hoping that someone will spot her in the role of Liesl and it will lead to bigger parts."

She has seen the show once already but is looking forward to seeing her daughter take a leading role.

Mrs Winter said that one part Kerry would like to perform in the future is that of Eponine in Les Miserables.

Kerry graduated from Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London in April with a first-class honours degree in musical theatre.