A GWENT estate agent will be “living the dream” this week as she stars alongside David Essex in his new musical.

Katie Darlow, 23, of Llanhennock had ambitions of starring on the stage and did ballet, tap dancing and amateur dramatics at the Dolman Theatre when she was younger.

After starting in the family business, managing the Roberts and Co estate agents in Newport, she thought that dream was over.

But now, after just one audition and watching the performance in Bromley, Kent last week, she is set to tread the boards at the New theatre, Cardiff all week.

Her big opportunity comes after David Essex approached father, property magnate Alan Darlow, to produce his new muscial All the Fun of the Fair.

The two are firm friends and Mr Darlow agreed to fund the show which is touring the UK until May next year.

With two characters leaving to do pantomine, Miss Darlow will perform the roles of Gloria and Rosie.

She has a few lines, but will be on stage throughout singing David Essex’s hits as part of the chorus.

The show tells the story of a travelling fairground and a romance between one of the workers and a girl from a town it visits.

Miss Darlow said: “I love my job, but this is the only other thing I would have liked to have done. I feel like it’s JimÕll Fix It.

“Dad has always loved David’s music and jumped at the opportunity to be involved.”

She has known David Essex since her father met him at a charity auction when she was a little girl.

Knowing she used to perform, he invited her to take part on the Cardiff leg of the tour.

She will perform in all eight performances at the New Theatre this week along with sister Amy, 12, who will have a small role.

She added: “Because I didn’t go to drama school, I never thought this sort of thing would be an option. But I can live the dream for this week.”

The show is on every night until Saturday, starting at 7.30pm. There are also matinee 2.30pm performances on Thursday and Saturday.

Details are at www.allthefunofthefairmusical.com