SOUTHAMPTON'S Georgia Carr is a singer and actress tipped for the top.

In an occasional series, Rosalind Fountain speaks to another homegrown star in the making....

Q) Georgia, you’ve performed in many shows at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre, culminating in your starring role as Nancy in Oliver! last year. Have you always wanted to act and sing?

A) "When I was four years old I was cast as Little Mary Pickford in my first show at stage school. My first solo was Somewhere Over The Rainbow, and that is when I knew I wanted to be a performer.

Q) Is it in the genes? Do you come from a musical family?

A) "My father, Sean, is a talented singer. My mother is my manager and has always given me good advice on song choices, musical style and performance. They are my biggest fans but they are also ready to give useful criticism, which is something every performer needs."

Q) What are your most memorable roles?

A) "Some of my favourites include Calamity Jane at Leatherhead Theatre, Gloria in Return To The Forbidden Planet at Mayflower Theatre and Southampton Guildhall in 2014, and of course many people’s favourite musical West Side Story. It was an honour to be part of Southampton’s 50 years as a city celebrations in Guildhall Square."

Q) You are also a popular singer/songwriter. How do you set about writing songs?

A) "I usually think of an event, an emotion, or perhaps news items which inspire lyrics. I taught myself to play acoustic guitar, so I find relevant chords to fit lyrics and portray a mood. It can be a long process and you have to be open to changes and criticism when writing."

Q) Apart from your stage shows, where have you sung in Southampton?

A) "I’ve appeared at Victoria Country Park, Concorde Club, West Quay, Talking Heads, and at The Marlands for Music in the City festival."

Q) What are you doing at the moment?

A) "I won a place on a four year Musical Theatre course at London College of Music. This is giving me great opportunities and contacts, and I recently had a workshop with a West End director, which was very exciting. I return regularly to Southampton, and I am chaperoning young performers at the Mayflower Summer Youth Project. Recently I was honoured to be asked to sing at the 30th Anniversary Gala of the Mayflower Theatre. Another fun event was the record breaking Most Princesses in One Venue at the theatre, where I portrayed Elsa from Frozen, and we are now in the Guinness Book of Records. As long as I am acting, singing or dancing on stage, I’ll be happy."