FROM appearing in a decade’s worth of performances at Knutsford High School to treading the boards at prestigious theatres, the sky’s the limit for Charlotte Wakefield.

The 18-year-old has just finished playing one of the lead roles in musical Spring Awakening, at the Lyric Theatre, in Hammersmith, and now she is about to conquer the West End.

Charlotte will reprise her Spring Awakening character, Wendla Berdman, for a year of performances at the Novello Theatre, in London, starting on March 26.

And she says she couldn’t have done it without the support of Knutsford High School.

Charlotte, who has been in every school performance since she was eight, said: “I’ve always wanted to be on stage since I was a little girl and Knutsford High helped me fit the mould.

“I had to leave my A-levels to join the theatre but everyone at the school’s been so supportive and some have been to see the show. It was sad to leave but I’ll be staying in touch and there’s so many talented people at Knutsford High School that I’m sure they’ll go on to do brilliant things.”

Charlotte’s newfound fame also saw her present an award for best sound design at the Olivier Awards, last Sunday.

She rubbed shoulders with the likes of Brian May, Patrick Stewart and James Nesbitt, who plays Charlotte’s dad in a forthcoming BBC drama called Occupation.

Even Kevin Spacey came up to her and said he was a big fan of Spring Awakening.

“It was like a dream,” said Charlotte.

“It was one of the most bizarre things I’ve ever experienced.

“I was surrounded by all these brilliant actors, who I respect, so it was nice to be accepted by them.”

Charlotte had her first taste of professional acting when she appeared in the award-winning film, An Angel For May, at the age of 12.

She first saw Spring Awakening as part of a Knutsford High School trip to New York, last year, and instantly fell in love with it.

“That’s how it all started,” she added.

“Being told I had the part was one of the most amazing pieces of information I have ever been given. It was breathtaking.”