Wordsley woman hits the West End and the BBC

Annice Boparai, who now lives in London, is currently starring in a West End production called J’ouvert which explores three young women at Notting Hill Carnival in 2017 in light of the Grenfell tragedy.

The show was originally performed at Theatre 503 in Battersea, London but was picked for a transfer to the West End and will be performed at the Harrold Pinter Theatre until July 3.

The play has also been selected as part of BBC Four's Lights Up series which is a virtual theatre festival staged in lockdown.

Annice performing in J'ouvert. Credit: Helen Murray

Annice, who attended Summerhill Secondary School said: "It has been an absolute dream to perform again and not only does it feel amazing after a long time off it also is one of the biggest things I've starred in in my career so far.

"It was devastating last year when all the theatres closed. I never thought I would see that happen in my life time so I am so grateful to be performing.

"The show covers some serious subjects like the history of women, race, female friendship and the idea of female bodies under the male gaze. It is such an important play.

"We are performing every night at the Harold Pinter Theatre with two day time performances a week on a Thursday and Friday as well until July 3.

"We are then set to perform at The Nottingham Theatre Royal."

The 26 year old says she fell in love with acting and drama whilst she was at school and pushed her onto applying for Birmingham Ormiston Academy- a top performing arts academy before training at the UK's top drama school - Oxford School of Drama.

She dedicates her success to her mother Perminder - who still lives in Wordsley and is a neo-natal nurse at Russells Hall Hospital.

Annice added: "I would not be in this position without my mums support and she has always encouraged me to be happy."

J'ouvert is available to watch via BBC iPlayer.