MONKLAND teenager Sheri Locke is experiencing the lifestyle of a professional star this week.

While ending her run in the Courtyard success, Oliver!, Sheri has dovetailed rehearsals for a charity variety night being held tomorrow (Friday) at Hereford United's Legends Bar.

Thankfully the two venues for Sheri's night of performance are within spitting distance of one another.

The charity evening is in aid of St Michael's Hospice and has been organised by Sheri's singing teacher, Helen Vereker.

Sheri writes her own songs and recently recorded a CD of her music.

A pupil at Minster College, she had never appeared on the Courtyard stage before, so being cast in the Community Company production was a big step for her.

She had to fly back from a family holiday in New York three days early to begin rehearsals for Oliver!

"It was scary, but you have to take those kind of risks," she said.

"We've tried to provide the avenues in order for her to pursue her talent," her father David said.

"She's the only person in the family who can sing and has loved performing since the age of five."

Sheri will make the 10pm dash across Edgar Street once the final curtain for Oliver! has been taken and will then perform four songs at the end of the charity night.

She is enjoying every moment of her time in Oliver! and said that the professional actors - especially Josie Walker who plays Nancy - had been great to work with.

Tickets for the charity variety night, which stars many talented local people, are available on 01544 318626 or on the door at 7.30pm.