Dinnington teenager impresses Edinburgh audiences with starring stage role

Keziah Grace, a former pupil of Dinnington Comprehensive School, impressed hundreds of people with her portrayal of Martha in The MGA Academy of Performing Arts’ production of the Tony-Award-winning Broadway show.

The 19-year-old, who is currently studying acting at the Edinburgh-based performing arts academy, said: “Martha was a very challenging character to play but I believe I brought truth and vulnerability to the role. I was very nervous on opening night as I wanted to do the show justice so I was delighted with the amazing reaction we got.”

Keziah, who honed her skills at an early age by performing in school productions such as We Will Rock You, added: “Growing up, I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in the industry as I love singing more than anything. I found my voice through going singing at church when I was a little girl.”

Spring Awakening, which opened on Broadway in 2006, is a risqué rock musical set in Germany and explores themes of youthful revolt, sexuality and morality. The MGA Academy’s production of the musical, which was directed by Andrew Gowland, aimed to introduce the future stars of the stage to Scottish audiences.

Marcella Macdonald, principal of The MGA Academy, said: “We are very proud of Keziah and her outstanding contribution to our production of Spring Awakening. The whole cast were a credit to themselves and the wealth of learning they have undertaken at The MGA Academy.”

“We give students extra tools to add to their CV that will allow them to succeed in a range of disciplines when they graduate, and, in this show, they all strongly reflected their growth and improvement as performers.”

The MGA Academy was founded ten years ago by Murray Grant and Andrew Gowland, providing a platform for Scottish talent in performing arts to remain in Scotland to obtain accredited SQA training at an equivalent level offered by established London colleges. West End star Fergal McGoff (Mamma Mia, The Bodyguard) and Rebecca Stenhouse, who is currently portraying female lead Elle Woods in Legally Blonde in America, represent just a couple of success stories from The MGA Academy.

Keziah said: “I’d love to follow in the footsteps of my idols, Kristen Chenoweth and Shoshana Bean.”