A FULWOOD drama student who sang to a packed crowd at the Royal Albert Hall is preparing to tread the boards at the town's Charter Theatre in a wacky musical production.

And student Kate Holderness, of Cromwell Road, Preston, admits she is having the time of her life.

As well as studying four A-levels at Newman College, Preston, the 18-year-old is rehearsing with Preston Musical Comedy Society for a production of Little Shop of Horrors later this month.

The music and drama student was even touted as the next big thing by former Bullseye presenter Jim Bowen on his Radio Lancashire show last week.

Kate said: "I went on Jim Bowen's show with one of the male leads, Philip May, and we gave Jim a few bars of a duet from the show called Suddenly Seymour. He was really impressed."

In the show Kate plays Audrey, a dizzy blonde who totters around in high heels, short skirts and a very squeaky voice -- a pitch, Kate admits, which is difficult to maintain.

But for the former Archbishop Temple School pupil, the part is water off a duck's back after singing and acting since she was a youngster.

Now the talented student is set to audition for the prestigious RADA and Mountview drama schools in London in a bid to fulfil her dream of appearing in a West End musical and on television.

"I've always wanted to perform on stage," said Kate. "When I was seven my mum found out about auditions for The King and I with Preston Musical Comedy Society. I went along and got a part."

And last summer she sang John Lennon's Imagine to a packed house at the Royal Albert Hall in London as part of a celebration of performing arts.

Pamela Campbell, committee member of Preston Musical and Comedy Society, said : "Kate is doing really well and I am very pleased.

"There have been many talented names passing through the society including John Thompson, who has starred in Cold Feet, The Fast Show and Men Behaving Badly. Kate looks like she'll be as successful."

Little Shop of Horrors is on at the Charter Theatre from March 11-16. For bookings call 258858.