Burger Boy Has Hopes for Sizzling Acting Job

An aspiring actor who flips burgers for a living could soon be swapping his apron and spatula for a starring role on the silver screen.

Lincoln actor Michael Kelly (20) works at a local McDonalds, where he does some mean Little Britain impersonations when not rustling up a Big Mac and fries.

But after battling his way through auditions against thousands of fellow thespians, he is heading to Paris for a film industry showcase that has launched the career of stars like Leonardo DiCaprio.

Mr Kelly is one of 25 pupils on the books of the Lincoln-based StarStruck Performing Arts group who will be going to Disneyland in Paris for the six day event later this year.

Big-hitting talent scouts such as the casting directors for the Billy Elliot West End show and The Chronicles of Narnia will also be there.

They will be alongside talent spotters from major film studios such as MGM and Paramount.

Mr Kelly said: “It’s just crazy knowing that I am going to this event.

“You dream about getting an opportunity like this and when you get it, it’s surreal.

“I am the store clown at work, but I never thought I would be doing this.”

He will be joined by his younger brother Adam Fisher (13) at the Actors, Models and Talent Competition this November in what is the chance of a lifetime for everyone at StarStruck.

Adam is having to juggle homework with his bid for stardom, but is optimistic that his hard work will pay off.

“I think it’s going to be hard, but my friends keep telling me to just keep going,” he said.

“I didn’t think I was going to get through because there were so many people at the audition.

“But now I am really proud to be in it and I keep on practising my acting all the time.”

Phoebe Morris (11), from Scampton, north of Lincoln, will also be heading for Paris.

She said: “My mum Debi was Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz many years ago, but she didn’t think she was very good.

“Hopefully I can go a bit further.”

Samantha Smith, StarStruck boss for the region, said: “Anything could happen, from being picked up to do a TV commercial to getting the chance to appear in a major film.

“They have got through the audition, which means they have a chance of succeeding in the industry and being picked up by a visiting director.”

(c) 2008 Lincolnshire Echo. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.