SAPPHIRE Kieft has the sort of singing voice that would charm the birds out of the trees.

A star in the making, the 19-year old Kendal College student will make her Zeffirellis debut at Ambleside on Thursday (April 18, 8.30pm) in the Jazz Bar with a programme of classic jazz songs ranging from Cole Porter to Gershwin.

Her piano accompaniment will be courtesy of one of the most influential and highly regarded performer-teachers in the UK, Les Chisnall. Les has worked with some of the world’s finest jazz musicians and his last album Another Place was described by a Guardian critic as a “classic of chamber jazz.”

Sapphire’s love of musical theatre began at a very early age when she belted along with the songs from Annie, having searched them out on the family computer.

Although fame may still be some way round the corner, Sapphire is already well established locally in musical theatre: “I've always sung since I was tiny,” she said.

“My first proper starring role was probably Little Voice in 2016 with Grasmere Players, and I’ve also played in ensemble roles in Miss Saigon and as Velma Kelly in Chicago at the Lakes School.”

Word spread of her youthful and extraordinary talent during the run of Little Voice, packing out Grasmere Hall with her bittersweet and poignant portrayal of the teenage heroine in a gritty drama, made particularly memorable by Sapphire’s own beautiful singing.

Her dream is to make music theatre her career, with ongoing auditions and interviews for foundation year places at three of the best performing arts academies and colleges in London.

Local actor Sarah Waterhouse, who first met Sapphire at Grasmere Players, has arranged today's performance to showcase Sapphire’s exceptional talent.

Having worked herself as a professional musician in London for many years, she could see that Sapphire’s talent could allow her to have a career:

“Having been in the profession I was well aware of the highly competitive nature of music theatre.

"But in order to be a successful singer, the best thing Sapphire can have is experience doing live performance with the best musicians possible, and to do this as often as possible,” she added.

Tickets available on 015394-33845 or online at www.zeffirellis.com.