A SCHOOLGIRL from Shenley has landed a part in the West End show Shrek the Musical alongside Amanda Holden.

Ten-year-old Megan Manly, who goes to Monksmead Primary School in Borehamwood, went through a gruelling audition process which started back in October 2010.

After several readings, Megan was disappointed to hear she had not got a role, but on Wednesday, she was called and asked to come in for another try.

And on Friday, she was thrilled to hear she had got the part.

Based on the popular animated movies, Megan will either be playing the role of a dwarf, young Shrek or young Fiona - made famous by the voices of Mike Myers and Cameron Diaz in the films.

Megan said: “I'm really excited and really looking forward to working with the directors and an orchestra, because I've never done something like that before.”

As a student of Borehamwood-based drama school, Theatre Club Kids, Megan is used to singing, dancing and acting, but Shrek the Musical is her first professional experience.

Asked if she was nervous about working on a West End stage, she said: “I'm not normally confident as a person, but when I get up on stage it's totally different, I really enjoy it.”

Her mother, Gill Manly, of North Avenue, Shenley, said: “She is very quiet and very studious at school, but put her on stage and the confidence appears.

“We are extremely proud. It was a one-in-a goodness knows how many chances, but she did it.”

Asked how her friends at school had taken the news, Megan said: “They are really happy for me and want to come and see me. They're asking for all the dates and asking for free tickets.”

Principal of Theatre Club Kids, Rita Cooper, said: “We are thrilled for Megan. She is a real talent and it is a huge achievement to join the original cast of a London musical.”

The show opened on May 6, at Theatre Royal, following a successful run on Broadway, and Megan will have to start rehearsals immediately to join cast members including television presenter Richard Blackwood and former EastEnders actor Nigel Harman.