From an early age 21-year-old Danielle Kelly always wanted to be on the stage. And after years of training, touring with hit shows like The Blues Brothers and getting TV roles she finally got a chance to star on the very stage that had inspired her on Saturday.

From an early age 21-year-old Danielle Kelly always wanted to be on the stage.

And after years of training, touring with hit shows like The Blues Brothers and getting TV roles she finally got a chance to star on the very stage that had inspired her on Saturday.

Danielle, from Beetley, took on the leading role in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Theatre Royal in Norwich after Australian soap star Caitlin Stasey was forced to take the day off with a sore throat.

A member of the chorus in the production, Danielle performed with great professionalism said pantomime producer Jane Walsh.

'Danielle did a fantastic job as the understudy to Caitlin on Saturday. She stepped into her shoes incredibly well and delighted the audience with her performance and professionalism.

'It was also a great opportunity for a local girl to take the lead in the pantomime. This is Danielle's first year with us in the show and she has really thrown herself into the show.

'It is probably the first time someone from Beetley has had a lead role in the Theatre Royal panto.'

Danielle, who is carving out an acting career in London, said she was thrilled to be back in Norfolk for Christmas and especially performing at the Theatre Royal as it is here that she first caught the buzz for the live stage.

Her stint on the stage was kept to Saturday night as Caitlin, who plays Rachel Kinski in the hit soap Neighbours, was well enough to be back on stage for two performances on Sunday.

Producers were also confident that, with the cast having two days off, she would be back in full voice for the next show due for yesterday.

Danielle, who was born in Norwich, has always had a huge love for theatre since a young age, training at her local dance school and then at June Glennie in Lowestoft/Beccles.

At the age of 18 she furthered her training at Tiffany Theatre College Essex.

Her time there resulted in her completing her FDI modern teaching exam and winning the Majorie Davies Star Tap Awards, London Cecil Sharpe House in 2004.

Most recently she has just finish a UK tour with The Blues Brothers as a Sensational Sister Of Soul and dance captain.

The beginning of the year saw her touring the UK as part of the cast for Essence of Ireland, then she dipped her foot in the acting world where she was fortunate enough to be featured in a Bollywood movie, dancing at Cafe de Paris, Leicester Square and as an extra on the ITV series Kingdom.

Last year Danielle spent nine months cruising the Mediterranean on the Thompson Celebration ship as a singer/dancer.

Other theatre credits include: Magic Of The Dance (UK, Norwegian, Canadian and Spanish Tour) playing one of the New York tap All Stars and Ensemble Irish Dancer. lead soloist and dance captain assistant in Fire of Dance (European Tour) playing Ginger Rogers; Magical Rhythms of Ireland (Holland); Summer Season (Claxton-on-sea) as ensemble.

t Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is at the Theatre Royal, Norwich, until January 18. Tickets are available on 01603 630000.