A STAGE-struck youngster from Buckland Monachorum will be treading the boards again this year at the South West's premier theatre.

Mathilde Ellis, aged seven, has won a part in the Plymouth Theatre Royal pantomime 'Cinderella' — she will be among a 20-strong team of local children appearing in the show, which stars Julian Clary and Keith Harris and Orville.

Horrabridge Primary School pupil Mathilde, who earlier this year took part in 'Annie', says she is looking forward to appearing in the pantomime, although with two performances every other day she knows it will be hard work.

Her mother, Rebecca, said Mathilde made some great friends while performing in 'Annie' and was 'chomping at the bit' to get back on the stage. She took part in auditions for 'Cinderella', which were held at the TR2 at Cattedown.

Rebecca said: 'It was a knockout process — very much like the X-Factor boot camp! She was thrilled at having been chosen — at one point in the panto she gets to present a menu on stage to Julian Clary and she's very excited about that.'

The opening night, December 16, is Rebecca's birthday, and she is going to the show with friends from Tavistock Primary School, where she is a teaching assistant.

She said: 'It was rather last-minute for us to book so we will be up in the "gods" but we'll be able to make Mathilde out.'

The pantomime runs until January 21.

Mathilde is not the only West Devon youngster performing at the Theatre Royal this December.

Ten-year-old budding actor Cosmo Coish has been selected to perform in J B Priestley's classic thriller An Inspector Calls.

After taking part in local auditions, Cosmo, part of the Theatre Royal's Young Company, was selected to take part in the play, along with Molly Mather, aged eleven, from Torpoint.

Cosmo said: 'I am really excited about appearing on the big stage at the Theatre Royal.

'This was my first ever audition and I wasn't at all expecting to be selected. I can't wait until the rehearsals begin!'

The Young Company is open to anyone between the ages of five and 25. Members can take part in a range of activities including one off and ongoing workshops, the chance to audition for Young Company productions in the Drum Theatre or being part of the design and production team.

Creative learning director Victoria Allen said: 'We are thrilled that two of our members will be a part of this production.  The Young Company gives participants the chance to get involved in theatre making throughout the year, helping to build confidence so if opportunities like this come along, young people have the skills and support to audition."

An Inspector Calls runs from Tuesday December 6 until Saturday December 10.

For more information about the show or pantomime, or to book tickets, contact the box office on 01752 267222.

To find out more about joining the Young Company, contact Jane Pawson on 01752 230542 or go to the creative learning section of the Theatre Royal website.