SHANNON Hannah has been a familiar young face on the local operatic scene for many years having appeared in several CO2 shows, including taking the lead of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde.

She's now featuring in the senior group's production of Jekyll and Hyde, which starts its run at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester tonight.

Continuing until January 28, tickets are available by calling 01206 573948.

What or who got you interested theatre? Did you take part in any productions at school?

AS a treat I was taken to see Starlight Express in London, which was my first experience of a musical. I was completely memorised by the use of music, dance, costumes and bright lights. I was then given a photocopy of the lyric sheet that used to come with the CD’s and a recording of the soundtrack. This was the only musical I knew existed so for the next two years I lived and breathed the show. Then I joined a local theatre group KATS (Kids Acting Theatre Skills) where I learnt the foundations of acting, improvisation and devising group sketches. I stayed with KATS for about ten years performing in countless pantomimes and shows.

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

I was the first so it was very strange for my parents who suddenly had a drama queen for a daughter. I am the eldest of six grandchildren and now a few of my cousins have explored the creative arts. Emily is a photography student, while Jasmine has also appeared in local pantomimes and achieved LAMDA awards.

Who is the most inspiring person you’ve worked with and why?

The most influential person in my life is my wonderful Nan, who sadly passed in 2012. She will always be my best friend. We all have someone that means the world to us that encourages us to strive to always do our best and who we know is watching over us with the best seat in the house for every performance. They make us stronger and in moments of weakness, fatigue and sadness remind us of why we started this crazy journey in the first place. That's my nan.

What formal training have you done?

In October I graduated from Colchester Institute/University of Essex with a BA Hons Degree in Musical Theatre. I also have an Extended National Diploma Level 3 in Musical Theatre.

Do you have any specialist skills – anything from stilt walking to dress-making – which you work into your repertoire?

Well I had several compliments for my ribbon twirling debut in CO2’s Carousel.

Which experience/role do you regard as the highlight of your career to date?

I have two. First of all as part of the final year of my degree I had the opportunity to perform on the Battersea Barge in London. This was a musical theatre cabaret evening and was pretty magical. Secondly with CO2 I got to play my dream role of Elle Woods in legally Blonde. Elle has some fantastic moments that everyone can relate to at some point in there life.

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage?

Over the years I must have endless tales but I can never forget during CO2’s Oklahoma the stage after the finale. It turned to black, allowing us to leave to then reappear for the curtain call but it was so dark that I couldn't see to make my way of stage. I found a corner and thought I was onstage but as the stage lights reappeared it turns out I had made my way into the little house set on stage for the whole audience to see.

What role would you most like to play and why?

I would love to play Elphaba in Wicked. I was not a fan until I saw it in London two years ago and knew that I had fallen in love with the role. I love playing roles that can change your opinion on a stereotype. She proves that beauty comes from the heart and that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, no matter how green it may be.

Ever corpsed on stage? What happened?

Being onstage with your closest friends is a privilege however does leave the door wide open for practical jokes and laughter. I am a notorious giggler and everyone knows it. It doesn't take too much to set me off. During Legally Blonde the boys were constantly trying to make us all laugh.

Any big plans for the future?

Jekyll and Hyde at the Mercury. I have also been writing a lot as a dream of mine is to have a script published one day. My first full play, Analysis, won the Headgate Theatre's Playwright Competition and my current project is to turn a play I have recently written, Shoebox, into a novel.