A young performer from Peel has started an intensive course at a performing arts school in London.

Lois Mooney, aged 18, has been a regular on stage at the Gaiety Theatre since she was eight years old.

She won a place at the Arts Educational School in Chiswick after being selected from more than 500 applicants.

Already, after only a few weeks, Lois has been streamed into the top set and has been selected as ’dance captain’ - a real honour among so many talented performers from around the UK.

Lois was most recently on stage in the Taylorian summer production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and has appeared in many shows, including the record breaking The Phantom of the Opera, Annie Jnr (where she played Annie), Me and My Girl, and enjoyed much success at the Manx Music Festival.

During her year at ArtsEd, Lois will receive training in singing, drama, dance and performance, as well as audition technique, fitness training and professional practice and tutorials on the development of musical theatre.

Lois said: ’This is an amazing opportunity on a dynamic course at a school which trains students to be among the very best theatre performers in the country.’

Douglas-based management consultancy Auxesia is sponsoring Lois throughout her one-year foundation course, with financial assistance to help her meet the costs of the course and living in London.

’I am so grateful for Auxesia’s support. As the Manx government does not provide grants or financial support for foundation year courses, Auxesia’s sponsorship has allowed me to follow this route and I hope to be able to progress onto the degree course next September and qualify for student funding.

Among ArtsEd’s graduates over the years are Julie Andrews, Martin Clunes, Arlene Phillips and Laxey’s Samantha Barks.

Auxesia director Stuart Colligon said: ’Lois stood out to us as a young woman with a real talent and enormous potential and, just as we have done with local performers in the past, we wanted to provide a helping hand.

’From a young age, Lois has proven herself to be a leading lady in many productions in the Isle of Man.

’To win a place on this course shows she has the determination, commitment and skills to succeed and she has just been placed in the top set at the school, which is a great start.’