English newcomer Clare Halse has been winning acclaim and applause for her performance in the pivotal role of Peggy Sawyer in the ‘mother of all showbiz musicals’, 42ND STREET at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The Telegraph’s Dominic Cavendish gave the “achingly beautiful revival of an American classic” five stars and called Clare a “resplendent Peggy”.

Like her starry-eyed character, the nervous but enthusiastic new chorus girl, Clare who’s brief stage career includes stints in WICKED and SHREK said the 42ND STREET experience is “fun and also terrifying”. I just missed Clare at the stage door a few weekends ago so left it there and it came back signed.