A talented Wishaw dancer is “living the dream” after moving to the big smoke.
Former Coltness High pupil Mari Macleod moved to London four years ago to study at the prestigious Urdang Academy.
Before completing her course the 22-year-old landed an audition for the musical Thriller Live and bagged herself her dream role at the Lyric Theatre in London’s West End.
Mari said: “I still can’t believe this is my job. It’s so surreal.
“Dancing is all I’ve ever wanted to do and to now be performing in the West End is a dream come true for me.
“Michael Jackson is one of my favourite artists in the world, so it’s an honour to be dancing to his songs to a packed audience every night. I feel so lucky and happy to call it my job.”
Mari said living in London is very different from her hometown of Wishaw and misses the friendly Scottish locals.
She added: “Moving to London on my own when I was just 18 was very daunting but it’s the best decision I ever made. It was scary to begin but college kept me going.
”At first I was a small fish in a very big pond. But I’ve got used to the busy life now.
“The people are definitely much nicer back home. Warmer and friendlier.
“As well as missing my family and friends, I miss a roll and square sausage and a good chippy.”
Performing six days a week for the last 12 months has taken its toll on Mari’s body.
She said: “It’s a two-hour show and is very physically and mentally demanding.
“I dance in one show a day Tuesday to Friday and then it’s two shows on a Saturday and Sunday.
“It’s hard going and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t struggle some days. But when I get on stage and see all the people something just clicks and I’m ready. The adrenaline definitely gets me through. I love it.”
Now in its 10th year, Thriller Live is a spectacular concert created to celebrate the career of Michael Jackson.
