A 14-year-old from Faversham whose talent was spotted at an acting workshop is taking to the stage with a world-renowned theatre company.

Canterbury schoolgirl Olivia Laing has been cast as Jessica in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of The Merchant of Venice.

Olivia, of School Road in Faversham, is the only child from Kent to be part of the RSC's first-ever youth acting company - RSC Next Generation ACT.

She was selected for the company two years ago, after taking a Shakespeare master class at The Marlowe Theatre where her acting ability was noticed by a panel of RSC actors and casting specialists.

She recently played Jessica at the world-famous Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, and this weekend will perform the role again at The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury.

The Canterbury Academy pupil said: "It’s been really inspiring playing Jessica on the stage of The Swan Theatre, which is so beautiful and has so much history behind it.

"The cast were lovely and I was more excited than nervous. I’m really looking forward to performing the role on The Marlowe stage.”

Her love of the stage began when she first encountered the RSC through a partnership with The Canterbury Academy and The Marlowe Theatre.

School spokesman Rebecca Huckle said: “It’s an incredible achievement that Olivia has been cast as Jessica in The Merchant of Venice and reflects her considerable acting talent.

“The Canterbury Academy is proud to support young actors like Jessica in partnership with the RSC, which enables us to offer such incredible opportunities to our pupils.”

Robin Belfield from the RSC’s education department, who has directed and edited the production, said: "Set against the commercial backdrop of Venice, Shakespeare’s play presents a world where business interests collide with personal ambitions and prejudices.

"The Merchant of Venice asks some very challenging questions, especially for audiences today – questions about the way we live, work and behave with people of different faiths and cultures.

"At the heart of the play are two young people, Jessica and Lorenzo, about to make some huge choices that will affect their lives forever. It seemed fitting then that these characters be played by young people, and who better than our terrifically talented young company.”

The RSC is visiting The Marlowe Theatre's Studio on Saturday (November 2) for two performances - at 11am and 2.30pm.

Tickets are available from The Marlowe's website, or on 01227 787787.

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