A YOUNG girl from Penarth could be the next big star of a new West End musical.

Cassiel Egerstrom who attends Albert Primary School, is one of the final six who will audition for the Andrew Lloyd Webber work this weekend.

The man behind hit musicals such as Phantom of the Opera and Cats is in the final selection phase for a lead role in the musical which opens at the London Palladium later this year, the name of which is being kept closely under wraps for now.

The role involves having to learn to play the bass guitar and she is taking lessons from bass guitarist of chart topping international rock band Funeral for a Friend, Richard Boucher.

Cassiel, 10, said: "Shelley is my agents and she said she have this audition for me.

"I got an email saying they wanted to see me in London and about a week later they said they wanted me back there."

Cassiel also visited Slovakia to visit her grandfather who is a bass guitarist and she featured on the cover of a national magazine and a television talk show.

She added: "It has been an amazing experience. I feel confident with my singing and dancing but the bass guitar has been a whole new skill I've had to learn very quickly. Andrew Lloyd Webber is my idol."

Shelley Norton Management, a talent school run by Penarthian Shelley Norton, recently hosted an open audition for the casting director of the new West End show at their venue called the talent shack on Penarth Road.

And Cassiel, along with fellow Penarth resident, Cameron Gross, has made it through to the London recalls.

After a gruelling weekend of auditioning, Cassiel said she was "thrilled" to make it to the final six

Ms Norton added: "We are so thrilled for Cassiel to get this far.

"She's worked so hard and is so talented. Whatever happens now it's been an amazing experience for her."

As part of her final preparations, bass guitar lessons with the renowned Penarth musician Richard Boucher were arranged for Cassiel.

Mr Boucher said: "I got involved after seeing a facebook post from Shelley. I expected to have to explain a lot to her but she is so naturally gifted it was quite an easy job.

"All she needs is a bit of encouragement. I've lent her one of my basses and it sounds amazing and looks cool.

"I want to make sure every bass is covered."