A dream came true for Stagecoach Theatre School member Lottie Cooper, who beat off stiff competition from hundreds of hopefuls auditioning to be in a British Theatre Academy production of Annie Jr at the Leatherhead Theatre to win the lead role.

Lottie, who lives in Haslemere and has just won a drama scholarship to Prior’s Field School in Godalming, went to the open audition in Guildford in April, where she had to sing and act in front of a West End director – then dance in a group to demonstrate she could follow direction.

She was hoping to get an orphan part and couldn’t believe it when she was asked to be Annie.

Lottie’s mum Nikki said: “We wondered if Lottie’s red hair helped but she was asked to cover it all up under a wig, so that didn’t have anything to do with it.

“The show was run through the British Theatre Academy, which has stars like Lily James among its alumni. It’s an elite theatre group which Lottie is now part of.

“Lottie’s really determined to make it as an actor. She joined Stagecoach Liphook four years ago and its principal Leanne Desmond has been so encouraging and helpful.

“It was during Lottie’s second year with Stagecoach that big agent Nina Gold, who cast for shows like Game of Thrones, came to the school looking for girl to be in a new film.

“She wasn’t right for the role, but Nina wrote to Leanne to tell her Lottie had something special, that she wouldn’t forget her and that she should keep going.

“Apparently it’s almost unheard of for casting agents, especially huge ones, to take the time to do this.

“Since then Lottie has a London agent and has performed in commercials and a period drama web series that premieres in September. She’s determined and resilient, which I think you have to be to make it as an actor.

“Importantly, she loves it and is more at home on set than anywhere else.

“Lottie is really excited about performing in shows at Prior’s Field. We watched Grease there last summer and were stunned by the quality of the performances.”