A NINE-YEAR-OLD girl from the region has made her debut on the West End stage.

Macy Stasiak, left, from Darlington, made her first appearance in hit musical Billy Elliot on Monday, playing lead character Debbie.

Her mother, Naomi Jenkins, said she is enjoying playing the role of the precocious daughter of Billy’s dance teacher, Mrs Wilkinson.

She said: “She’s moved to London and lives in a house with all the other Billy Elliot junior cast, where she has a private tutor. She does about 11 plays a month, working on threeweek rotation. She really enjoys it.

“We do miss her, but it’s a great opportunity.”

Two other children from the North-East are sharing the role of Debbie with Macy – Francesca Mango, from Cramlington, in Northumberland, and Emily Williams, from Wingate, in County Durham.

In July last year, Macy was one of a group of Stagecoach Darlington pupils who reached the West End showcase of the Billy Youth Theatre project as one of the final 14 groups from an original 115.

Macy has only been acting for two years. As well as being a member of Stagecoach Darlington, she goes to ballet classes at Darlington’s Born to Dance dance school.

Macy is contracted to play the part for six months, but her mother thinks she could play it for longer.

“There is a girl who plays one of the Debbies who has played her for two years. They play the part for as long as they look like the character,”

said Ms Jenkins.

Macy said: “I would like to thank my family for helping me with my drama and supporting me in everything I do.

“I also want to thank all my Stagecoach teachers, especially Trudy, for offering me the chance to do Billy Youth Theatre, which has given me the confidence I have now.

“Big, huge thanks to the entire Billy Elliot team for giving me the opportunity to live my dream of being on the stage.”