A rising star from Stamford is heading to the West End for the Christmas panto season 2022, joining the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk at The London Palladium. Amelia Walker (25) is starring alongside Dawn French, Julian Clary, Nigel Havers and Gary Wilmot as understudy for Alexandra Burke, who plays Mrs Blunderbore in the much-loved panto. 

Amelia, who trained in Professional Musical Theatre at Liverpool Theatre School, made her West End debut in 42 Balloons at the Vaudeville Theatre earlier this year. The talented performer has also appeared in Wondergirl (Ovalhouse), Game Theory (Workshop), SIX (Norwegian Cruiselines) and the Australian Tour of Wannabe – The Spice Girls Show. 

Speaking on joining the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk at The London Palladium, Amelia said: "I'm so excited and grateful to be the understudy for the gorgeous Alexandra Burke at The London Palladium this Christmas. When I got the call from my agent with the offer I was beaming.

"Our rehearsals are fully underway now - it is such a great space and the company is just incredible. I'm learning so much surrounded by some absolute icons. The room is just magic and the show is phenomenal. I feel hugely blessed to be given the opportunity and really lucky to be working with the team at Crossroads Pantomines."

As part of her journey to West End success, Amelia completed a three-year elite Professional Musical Theatre training programme at Liverpool Theatre School. Principal, Maxine Ellis, said: "Amelia is a huge talent and I'm thrilled to see her join such a stellar cast in Jack and the Beanstalk at The London Palladium. 

"Nothing makes me more proud than celebrating the achievements of Liverpool Theatre School graduates and Amelia has already enjoyed a flying start to her professional stage career. We all wish her every success in her latest role during the panto season and we're looking forward to following her next move, she's definitely one to watch."

Liverpool Theatre School, whose patrons include dance legend, Wayne Sleep OBE, and renowned West End theatre producer, Bill Kenwright CBE, provides full-time professional training in Musical Theatre, Dance and Acting.  All full-time BTEC and Trinity accredited courses at the Ofsted 'outstanding' Liverpool Theatre School are designed to give young people the skills they need to succeed in the performing arts industry.

Talented young performers from across the UK are currently being invited to audition for Liverpool Theatre School, which offers a number of fully-funded places and bursaries to help make professional training more accessible. To find out more or to register an interest, please email: [email protected].