THIS week the Curtain Call spotlight falls on Laura Hurrell, a 34 year old actress from Leigh, about to appear in Copacabana with the Leigh Operatic and Dramatic Society, at the Palace Theatre.

Laura is playing Lola, the female lead, a young talented girl from Tulsa eager to make it as a Copa girl in the big city New York.

Copacabana is on from You can watch us from Wednesday May 9 - Saturday May 12 at the theatre in London Road, Westcliff.

Tickets can be booked via southendtheatres.org.uk

When and under what circumstances did you start taking part in dramatics?

I have been performing since I was very young, however I joined the amateur dramatic world in 2005.

Are or were any members of your immediate family involved in drama?

My gran, used to perform with the society and it was she (Maureen Hurrell) that encouraged me to join. The majority of the Hurrell family are musical. A bit like the Vontraps really! I don't quite know how the neighbours cope!

Have you done any formal theatre or musical training?

From a young age, I danced with the South East Theatre School in Hadleigh and Leigh area. At 17 I was accepted in the Masters Performing Arts College, where I studied dance and musical theatre for three years.

Do you have any special skills, from juggling to speaking German, that have proved useful on stage?

I don't think I have any amazing skills, but I do have a lot of inspirational people around me that push and encourage me to be the best that I can be. I am learning how to use a skateboard and play the piano though! You never know when that might come in handy on stage!

Do you do any accents or impressions?

I love doing a Spanish accent which came in handy when I performed in West Side Story! I would say that any accent I have to work quite hard at to get right though. I am still working on a Scottish accent.. that's proving a hard one to crack.

Which experience/role do you regard as the highlight of your time in the theatre?

The role to date that has been my highlight has got to be when I played Rita in Made in Dagenham. The story is so inspirational and still so relevant in the world today. It will always be very special to me.

What was your most gratifying moment in terms of response from an audience?

Made In Dagenham was based on real life events and on our final performance we had one of the original ladies who was involved in the Ford strikes in the audience. It was one of the most memorable audience reactions bringing her up on stage and a moment I will always treasure and never forget.

Who is the most inspirational person you have worked with/been taught by, in your stage career?

I have got a really supportive family that have never pushed me into performing but just simply been there and encouraged me to do my best. My mum and dad always encouraged me to do my best and most importantly do what makes me happy. And being on stage is where I feel most at home in myself and happy. I have worked with some fantastic directors and choreographers who have pushed me to my limit to get the best out of me. Sallie Warrington has been a huge part of my training since the age of 17 and has always believed in me and for that I will always be eternally grateful, as well as other directors I've had opportunities to work with. I just feel lucky to be in such a talented company that simply just support and encourage each other. They are like a second family.

When was your most embarrassing theatrical moment on or off stage?

I had a really embarrassing moment during a scene when my head mic got tangled up with the lovely Sarah Gallucci. We managed not to corpse but it was one of those moments that felt like it lasted forever not being able to untangle our faces apart! We managed to untangle ourselves with an almighty yank, still singing! I love to laugh and when acting with someone so naturally funny such as Helen or Simon Sharpe it can be very hard to hold it together! Once I start I can't stop but luckily I have always held it together on stage.

What do you do for a living, when not acting?

My day job is managing one of the UK Virgin Active Health Clubs. I have always loved to keep fit and it felt like a natural career move along with keeping my performing alive. I feel I have the best of both worlds.

Has your theatre career ever been useful in your day job?

My theatre career has absolutely helped me in my normal life and career. It has given me life skills and I will be forever grateful to those that have been a part of my training. My day job involves me dealing with people day in and day out, face to face, which can be hard going at times.

Ever thought of going professional?

I always wanted to be in the professional world of acting, however I feel now I truly have the best of both worlds and couldn't be happier. Never say never though! I am now nearly 35 and can't see myself coming away from the stage any time soon.

Tell us something about your current production, Copacabana, and how you have approached your role.

I feel really lucky to be playing Lola in our lasted production of Copacabana. We have an amazing cast and crew and I get to be playing a younger age than what I am which has been challenging to get the character just right. I have always struggled with tap dancing so that has been a big challenge for me and I am a perfectionist so it has to be right! The music is stunning and am absolutely loving every moment of rehearsals.

Which actor (s) do you most admire and why?

I don't really have a favourite actor, but I love actors who are versatile. I remember watching Imelda Staunton for the first time on stage and was taken back and stunned by her performance as Momma Rose in Gypsy. She is inspirational as a female actress.

What role would you most like to play and why?

I don't have any particular parts in the future that I would love to play. I like to be as versatile as possible from comedic to straight laced to character roles. I think the more you can vary the roles you play the stronger a performer you become.

I am always up for a challenge. Playing the part of truly scrumptious in Chitty Bang Bang would be great though! I have also always loved to play a really old women or wicked old witch! That would be great fun. I have the natural witch's laugh! Let's see what opportunities come my way in the near future!

What future roles have you got lined up?

I don't have any lined up at the moment, however I will be involved heavily in the choreography for the next show with LODS Spring Awakening.

Any tips to pass on for learning your lines?

With so little time juggling a busy day to day full time career, trying to keep fit, keep up with piano lessons, and rehearsals it can be really difficult to find time to actually sit and learn my dialogue, so my trick is to record all the dialogue and leave gaps for me to say my lines, that way I can learn, listen and talk anywhere I go. Even when I am working out I will have the dialogue and music playing. Small chunks at a time though, and lots of repetition.

Any other tricks of the trade to pass on?

I can't give away all my tricks!