A YOUNG Studley actor has landed her big break in the soon-to-be-a-hit West End show, Stranger Things: The First Shadow.
Imogen Turner, 11, has been performing since she was four and in 2019 at the age of six, she successfully auditioned for the role of Gretl von Trapp in Solihull amateur dramatic society Peterbrook Players’ production of The Sound of Music.
Her love of performing and being on stage really developed from there.
In 2020, during lockdown, Imogen begged her parents to let her audition for production company Stagebox and was offered a place in its In-Studio Professional Musical Theatre membership.
She joined Stagebox Birmingham Company in September 2021.
A spokesperson from Stagebox Management said: “We are very proud of Imogen for originating the role of Alice Creel in ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’, marking her West End debut.
“Imogen’s talent, hard work and dedication are a testament to her, and we are thrilled to continue facilitating all of her exceptional success.”
Her main inspiration came from performing in The Sound of Music and being part of such a positive and passionate group of like-minded people.
Her success has only increased, and her parents, Becky and Johnny Turner said they were proud of her achievements.
Becky said: “The reviews and social media responses speak for themselves really, but it has been overwhelmingly positively received, with people travelling from abroad to come and watch.
“It is like nothing else we’ve seen – it really is extraordinary. “
Imogen added: “Because Alice is an original stage role, I have really enjoyed working with the creatives to help shape the character.
“I love being able to share the stage with talented actors, as well as having the opportunity to work with Ross and Matt Duffer, Kate Trefry, Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin.
“I’m learning so much, I just love it.”
With the support of her parents, Imogen is looking forward to chasing her dream of becoming a full time actor.
Becky added: “We’ve always said she was born to be on the stage.
“She’s always been an incredibly driven individual – she works and trains hard and knows that this industry requires sacrifice, resilience, and determination.
“Her passion for performing shines through on stage and it is an utter joy to watch her.
“What we’re most proud of, however, is seeing how happy she is living her dream.”
