Olivia Mornin, a first year studying English, stars as Red Riding Hood in ‘Into the Woods’ which opened this week at the ADC Theatre, Park Street, Cambridge.
Reuben Karas, also a student at Christ's, is the sound designer.
'Into the Woods' is Stephen Sondheim’s and James Lapine’s musical of fairytales featuring familiar characters such as Red Riding Hood, Cinderella and Jack.
Olivia said:
“’Into the Woods’ is a strange twist on fairy tales, kind of showing maybe a darker side, but it's still really ends on a bright note.”
And as for nerves, she said:
“Once you're on stage, it's almost like you're kind of in the moment and you lose a sense of where you are and you're just in the show.”
The musical is staged by Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club (CUADC) which Olivia joined last term. She said it was a ‘real honour’ to have auditioned and been chosen for the part against strong competition.
Olivia, who took part in musicals while she was at school in Northern Ireland, said:
“I was just blown away by how much opportunity there is here in Cambridge. I had no idea before I came.
I suppose I was focused on the academic side, but then learning that I can continue with my passion for musical theatre in such a big way, in such large productions and on a proper stage is just incredible.”
Olivia also has a place on the Trinity Musical Theatre Programme which offers outstanding vocalists from across the University the chance to work over the academic year with an internationally renowned voice teacher, Cameron Richardson.
Participants will record a solo track in a London studio and perform in a final public showcase in Trinity College with West End star Kerry Ellis in the summer.
‘Into the Woods’ is at the ADC Theatre, Park Street, Cambridge from 18-28 March. Tickets £11.50-£20.