Bradon Forest student Adina Nyahwa, 13, is currently performing in the West End hit Billy Elliot, at the Victoria Palace Theatre, London.

Adina, from Nine Elms, has spent the last few months playing Karen Davidson, one of the ballet girls in Billy's class, but it wasn't a role easily 'stepped' into.

Adina went for her first audition for the part back in February 2007, and then had call-backs all through the summer holidays.

The news that Adina had got the part came through in September and then she had 2 months of rigorous training before her performances started in December.

Adina now performs two nights a week with an extra matinee performance two out of every three weeks. This means she has to miss one school day when there's a matinee and leave class early for an evening performance. When asked if this has affected her school work she smiles;

"No way! My teachers have been very supportive, but they make sure they give me plenty of homework so that I can catch up! The theatre time table is great too as the performance days alternate, making sure that the same classes aren't hit week after week".

Adina has been dancing at the Swindon Academy of Dance since the age of 3... that's 10 years now! It was through the academy that she got the audition, and is currently the only Swindon Dance Academy girl on the show.

"The Swindon Dance Academy and my dance teachers Sarah and Marie have been brilliant. Throughout the training period at the theatre I had to miss all my dance classes, and they were so supportive. I couldn't have done it without them, and my parents of course! I feel very lucky to have them all around me".

The role of Karen Davidson involves dancing, singing and even has a line. Adina is on stage for approximately half the show... which is 3 hours long! When asked if she would like to continue her career as a stage performer she replied;

"Oh yes. Definitely. I enjoy singing, dancing and acting equally so I wouldn't like to choose one a this point!"

Considering Adina is only in Year 8 she comes across as a very level-headed and mature student who is obviously enjoying, and making the most of, the experience. Most students around the school know who she is, but she's not letting the fame get to her head, although she does admit, with a shy smile, that she enjoys it when audience members wait at the stage door for her autograph!

Her current contract ends in May but Adina has just been offered an extension until December.

"There are five boys who play the role of Billy and I get on really well with them all. The whole cast are friendly and it's a really great place to work."

You can catch Adina over the Easter school holidays (5th - 20th April) on 11th, 12th, 14th and 15th April. Contact the Victoria Palace Box Office on 0207 834 1317 or ticketmaster on 0870 895 5577.

Billy Elliot is a funny, heart-warming and feel-good celebration of one young boy's dream in a gripping tale of triumph over adversity. This original story captured the hearts and minds of the world when the movie was released in October 2000. The original multi-award winning creative team; director Stephen Daldry and writer Lee Hall, are joined by music legend Elton John, the most celebrated UK singer song-writer of the last 30 years, to create the most exciting musical of the decade.

Billy Elliot the musical opened in London's West End at the Victoria Palace Theatre I March 2005 to extraordinary critical acclaim. Since then the show has won a host of awards, including Best Musical at the Olivier Awards, Evening Standard Awards and the Whatsonstage Theatregoers' Choice Awards.