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Camden New Journal
Published: 30 August 2007

Stars of the show: Josie Benson and Malik

Call that says: ‘You’re a star’

IT is every chorus girl’s dream – the star of the show falls ill and the producers turn to you in their hour of need...
For Josie Benson, a Dartmouth Park-based singer appearing in the Royal Festival Hall’s smash-hit production of Carmen Jones, the dream became reality, writes Dan Carrier. Out shopping in the West End with her family last Tuesday afternoon, she received a call telling her that leading lady Tsakane Maswanganyi had fallen ill and that she had to take over.
Ms Benson said: “The company manager is supposed to let you know a good few hours in advance, but I was told at 3pm to be at the theatre at five to seven. I burst into tears in the middle of Lilywhites.
“I really did not want to do it but by the time I got there and into costume, it was great.”
She filled in for Ms Maswanganyi, an award-winning South African star, for the rest of last week.
To add to the thrill, her 12-year-old son Malik has a role in the show – and they have scenes together. Ms Benson said: “To be on stage with my son is something else – it was a truly memorable experience.”
The former Parliament Hill School pupil has been seen in Showboat at the Royal Albert Hall and Porgy and Bess.

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