School girl to star in Hollywood blockbuster

Bea Ward said attending a normal school and having a social life kept her grounded

A school girl from Herefordshire has described featuring in Hollywood's new Wicked movie as an "unreal" experience.

The upcoming blockbuster was first teased during Super Bowl LVIII earlier this month.

Among the main cast is 15-year-old Bea Ward from Leominster, who even found herself on set chatting with singer and actress Ariana Grande.

The prequel to The Wizard of OZ tells the story of Elphaba who is a good witch until the disapproval of society turns her evil.

Speaking to BBC Hereford & Worcester, Bea said she originally auditioned as a background dancer but did not hear back for a year.

Assuming she had been unsuccessful she was shocked to hear the casting director wanted her to come back and read some lines and sing.

After her second audition she was cast in a named role, and one of six main children.

Discussing her time on set, Bea said: "It was absolutely unreal.

"Just walking into rehearsals I worked with some big names in America and I did meet Ariana Grande, which was absolutely insane.

"I have looked up to her since she was on Victorious, so that was ages ago."

• Listen to Bea Ward discuss her time in Hollywood on BBC Sounds

As well as making friends with an international star, she said the other actors and crew were "lovely".

"Everything was absolutely insane, I cannot even describe it," she recalled.

"Everyone was so lovely, you would think people would not have the time to talk to you because it is such a big production, but everyone took their time to say hello."

Bea is one of six children to feature among the main cast

Despite her A-list connections the student said her mother helped to keep her feet on the ground.

"My mum keeps me quite humble and going to a normal school it keeps me grounded," she said.

"I do not want to think I am a movie star or you cannot talk to me.

"Some of my friends know what I do and they are like 'are you sure you want to be friends with us, you are kind of famous' and I say 'of course I want to be friends with you'."

Wicked: Part One will be released in cinemas on 27 November.