Shannon Russell, 12, has a role in York Theatre Royal’s summer production The Railway Children. The adaptation of E Nesbit’s children’s tale runs until 23 August and takes place on a special, purpose-built stage at York’s Railway Musuem and a 39-tonne steam locomotive even has a role in the play.

The Woldgate pupil said she was really enjoying the experience.

She said: “It has been a bit chaotic – I have been rehearsing five hours a week and when I get in I’ve just wanted to flop into bed. But it’s been going really well.”

Shannon plays Nigella and her performances are rotated with other young actors. She will appear in a total of 15 shows.

She said: “We always re-read and make notes after rehearsals, so each performance gets better. We learn as we go along, everyone’s working really hard.

“It’s really cool, and it’s going to be good for my CV. Some of the people in it are from TV programmes like Carrie and Barrie and The Bill so it’s been great to work with them and talk to them.”

Shannon has worked in amateur productions in the past and said she hoped to build on the experience of The Railway Children and pursue an acting career.

She said: “It’s a good experience and helps me to improve.

“I definitely want to do it in the future, I love acting, I’ve loved it since I was really young.

“I want to be a barrister or an actress when I leave school but I prefer acting, it’s more fun – you have one job here, one job there and a hundred different roles.”

IN THE LIMELIGHT ... Shannon Russell, aged just 12, is playing Nigella in The Railway Children at York’s National Railway Museum