The theatre critic for the Liverpool Echo says Samantha Barks is a "star in the making".

The Laxey teenager is currently playing Sally Bowles in a touring production of "Cabaret", which is coming to the Isle of Man next spring.

Sam's big break came when she made it into the finals of the BBC television show to find an actress to play Nancy in a new stage production of Oliver.

Joe Riley, from the Echo, was really impressed with her, and amazed when he found out her age: "She's only 17, but has tremendous confidence. It was a stunning debut for her. It was her first main show but you would think she had been doing it for years. I said in my review in the Echo 'step forward an established star, that's Wayne Sleep, and another in the making'.

"So there is no doubt about it that we will certainly be seeing her again. She won't be a sort of 'one-off wonder' and, having made such an impact in that lead role, certainly won't be coming back to stand in the chorus."