A CHILD opera singer has blossomed into a professional classical music, dance and theatre performer.

Charlotte McKelvie won the first Halton’s Got Talent more than a decade ago when she was 12.

The 24-year-old now performs under her equity name, Charlotte Dacia, and has her sights set on the West End.

The former Heath and Fairfield High School pupil is returning to her home town to stage a solo show at The Brindley Studio on Friday, February 23.

“I can’t wait, I am very excited,” said Charlotte, who lives near Runcorn Town Hall.

“Since I was three I have known what I wanted to do.

“It is in my family. My great nan was an opera singer.

“The feeling you get when you perform, there’s nothing like it. It makes me feel happy and rewarded.”

Charlotte qualified in dance and musical theatre at The Hammond School in Chester and has performed on a world cruise and on a ship sailing round Norway and Russia.

“I have done a lot of work in the classical field,” she said.

“But my heart lies in musical theatre. I’d love to perform in the West End but trying to crack that field is very tough.

“It’s about being right for that particular casting director.

“It is very competitive. You have to keep picking yourself back up when you get rejection and stay positive.”

Charlotte, who has been teaching dance for six years, is dedicating her show to the theatre’s front of house manager, Andy Spokes who died recently.

“Andy was a wonderful man,” said Charlotte, who works front of house at The Brindley when she is not performing.

“He helped me so much in my career, gave me advice and helped me get songs recorded.

“He has spent hours helping young people get into the performing arts industry, where his background was.”

Charlotte will be singing songs by her musical influences including David Bowie, Kate Bush and Andrea Boccelli.

“It definitely will be an emotional night.

“I have been very lucky. I want to give back in some way.”

Tickets priced £10 are available from the box office on 0151 907 8360and online at thebrindley.org.uk.