Theatre star Katy returns in ‘Stop The Train’

Former Pendle Hippodrome Youth Theatre star Katy Oliver has gone from serving behind the bar at Burnley Mechanics to singing on its stage as she continues her journey to the West End.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Jun 2015, 19:46 BST
Katy Oliver playing Nicky in a scene from Stop The Train. Photo: Bradley Hamer Photographic (s)Katy Oliver playing Nicky in a scene from Stop The Train. Photo: Bradley Hamer Photographic (s)
Katy Oliver playing Nicky in a scene from Stop The Train. Photo: Bradley Hamer Photographic (s)

Katy (27) will perform in the new musical “Stop the Train” as it starts its 2015 North West tour at the Mechanics on Saturday (June 12th).

Katy was born in Burnley, raised in Pendle and started acting at the age of 10 at Pendle Hippodrome Youth Theatre. She played Snake Eyes in “Bugsy Malone” and the title role in “Annie”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

At the age of 17, Katy joined Colne Operatic Society and played Kate in “Pirates of Penzance” and Jane in “Brigadoon”. During that time she also performed at The Little Theatre, Colne.

Katy is currently studying for an MA in Text and Performance at RADA, following a degree in English and Drama at the University of Greenwich.

Katy said: “The experience I gained at Pendle Hippodrome and in Colne learning my craft has been invaluable. I enjoyed it so much and still use the principles I was taught in those early days.”

The former Barrowford Primary and Walton High School, Nelson, pupil is now forging her career in London. Her recent main parts have been in “The Penelopiad” at Greenwich, in Neil Labute’s “Pick One” for Theatre Uncut at RADA and in “True Grit” as part of the Write Now festival at the Brockley Jack Theatre. She is also performing in ‘UKIP! The Musical’ in the 2015 Edinburgh Festival.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Along with her acting, Katy has taken part in the Lyric Hammersmith’s Young Writers group, working with professional playwrights, to write a play of her own.

Burnley actress Katy Oliver (s)Burnley actress Katy Oliver (s)
Burnley actress Katy Oliver (s)

Katy is excited to be back in East Lancashire. She said: “I really believe in this musical, it’s great to be in something so good right from the beginning, especially when it means coming back to perform in my home town.

“Burnley Mechanics is a lovely theatre and I met so many nice people in the short time I spent there serving and ushering customers to their seats.”

In “Stop The Train”, Katy plays the lead role as a beauty salon assistant and wannabe celebrity Nicky. The new musical is a new life-affirming and uplifting dark comedy, wrapped in a twisting love story. Set on a busy commuter train, the unorthodox behaviour of a mysterious passenger awakens Nicky’s dreams making her ambitions a reality. Her performance of the song “10 steps to being famous” is one of the highlights of the show. Katy added: “It’s an excellent evening’s entertainment. You’ll laugh, you’ll love the songs, you’ll enjoy the journey – don’t miss the train!”

Ring Burnley Mechanics box office on 664400 or go to www.burnleymechanics.co.uk for details.

Related topics:West EndNorth WestBurnleyPendle