ALEXANDRA Ward has enough energy to power the national grid.

That, coupled with ability and enthusiasm for the world of theatre, has secured her an audition at the prestigious East 15 Acting School at the University of Essex next month.

An Essex girl, Alexandra, 43, joined the Army at 16. She spent nine years in the Services ? including a 12-month stint in Northern Ireland where she met her husband Martin who was also in the Army.

?When I was 13 I tried to put a show on in the old church hall in Chingford but it didn?t happen. I have always been fascinated with the stage.

?I didn?t want an office job when I left school. I thought there must be more to life than that. I was happy but I was such an active person ? so I joined the Army to see the world!?

Alexandra finished her service at the Citadel, Plymouth and the couple moved to Callington in 1983 where they raised two children.

Currently undertaking her second year on the BTEC National Diploma on Performing Arts at Plymouth CFE she is a well-known figure in East Cornwall through her involvement in community theatre and play writing.

In 1999 Alex wrote the script, music and lyrics for ?Morwenna and the Legend of Kit Hill? ? which was watched and enjoyed by top acting couple Edward Woodward and his wife Michelle Dotrice.

She has had a passion for the performing arts for many years and is a member of three drama groups.

Alex found it difficult to find acting work because she had no professional experience or training. This prompted her to give up her job as a cheese cutter with the Co-op and apply to join a performing arts course at Plymouth CFE.

Since then she has gained parts as extras in the BBC dramas Casualty and Down to Earth.

?Without attending the course at the college I would not have been offered an audition at East 15. I am a great believer in making things happen ? and if you really want something in life you have got to go for it.?

Her favourite TV character is Dot Cotton in East Enders. At school she hated Shakespeare. Now says, although she believed her forte was comedy, because of the college she has discovered how fantastic the Bard really is.

?It is never too late to do what you want. I totally believe that. Trying to become an actress is even better now because life?s experiences can be put to use,? she says.

?Maybe the time isn?t right when you are young. Now is the time for me because I can see life and its many different angles ? and that can make for much better theatre.?