Lori takes sea route to success

She will be appearing in two shows a night for four days a week from next month to May on the Palladium stage aboard the 2,016-passenger liner – and seeing the world.

Lori, from Newby, will also do shows in Bruges with illusionist Derren Brown and opera singer Russell Watson.

“It’s my dream job,” said the former Northstead and Scalby School pupil. For the past two years, Lori has been living in London, working at Harrods and auditioning for shows – getting heartbreakingly close to landing a West End role only to miss out at the final stage. It was the third time she had auditioned for the cruise ship company.

“My repertoire includes all the West End shows – from Legally Blonde to Les Miserables,” she said.

“I’ll get to see the world and be able to sing every day. The past two years have been a struggle but this has made it worth it.”

Lori, like performers Ben Ellis and Danny Rhodes, got her taste for the stage at the YMCA in St Thomas Street. She appeared in musicals, revues and pantomimes.

“Without the YMCA I would not be doing this today. It taught me not only stage skills but gave me life experience,” said Lori.

She was back home to see hairdresser mother Angie, carpet fitter father Steven and sisters Neisha and Devan before she goes back to London to rehearse. She then boards the ship on November 21 and will stay with the cruise until at least May.

Ports of call include Spain, South Africa, Thailand, Australia and the Caribbean.

Meanwhile, a dancer is walking on air after winning a three-year scholarship to a top performing arts college in Cambridge. Devan Kellett will start training in September at Bodywork Dance Studios in Cambridge.

The 19 year-old will be studying dance and musical theatre for three years and is one of just 18 out of 150 who were awarded a full Dance and Drama Award scholarship.

Devan started her dance career in the resort aged five with the Kevin O’Connor Irish dancers, winning a gold medal at the British Arts Awards.

She then started at Rowlies at the age of six and was a member of the competition team, learning the styles of rock n’ roll, street dance, slow and disco.

She then started with Susan Richards’s Ballet School, which is now the Yorkshire Coast School of Ballet, at the age of eight and was been dancing there for 11 years.

She said: “Miss Richards has taught me so much throughout the years and I cannot thank her enough for her dedication towards my dancing.”

The teenager has also trained with Shannon’s Irish dancers, touring Ireland and performing in Birmingham and Sardinia, Italy. Devan has also attended many classes throughout the years at the Hatton School of Performing Arts. She said: “Julie Hatton has given me a lot of guidance and with her expertise and advice it has helped me prepare myself for auditions.”

The former Northstead and Scalby School pupil has also done numerous shows at the YMCA. Devan is currently studying for a BTEC Diploma in Musical Theatre at York College and is working towards her final major project which is playing Carmen, one of the lead roles in the college’s production of Fame.

Take a bow Bobbie, Brad and Adam – the trio are moving on from the Hatton School of Performing Arts to take up places at stage academies.

Nineteen-year-old Bobbie Scott has been dancing at the Scarborough-based school for 18 years and is going to London Theatre School to take a one year jazz/commercial dance course.

Bobbie teaches classes at Hatton and last year worked as a production dancer for Celebrity Cruises on a ship sailing the South America to Alaska route.

Bobbie said: “I’m very grateful for all the amazing opportunities I’ve had over the years at the Hatton School of Performing Arts.”

Brad Veitch, also 19, will be studying musical theatre at Arts Educational School in London, after gaining a three-year scholarship.

He was also offered scholarships at Mountview College and Laines Theatre Arts. Brad said: “I can’t thank Julie Hatton enough for the help and support she has given me. I would advise anybody who wants a career in performing arts to start at Hatton.”

Bodywork Company Dance Studios is where 17-year-old Adam Crossley is heading. He has received a three-year scholarship for a musical theatre and dance course at the Cambridge centre.

Adam was also offered scholarships at Millennium and D&B School of Performing Arts and a place at Bird College.

Adam said: “After receiving places with scholarships, I chose Bodyworks over the others as I knew it would be the right place for me to be, to further my career.

“It’s a big step to leave home at my age but I feel ready for the next chapter of my life and all it brings thanks to everyone at Hatton School of Performing Arts.”

All three students are experienced in dancing, singing and acting. They have been part of the Hatton School show work team and for many years have performed in shows in Scarborough and around the country, including dancing at the opening of the Open Air Theatre in front of the Queen.

As well as the three senior dancers, Danielle Hatton, no relation, 16, who has been a part-time pupil at the school has gained a place at Tiffany Theatre College in Southend.