Laura plays starring role in Paralympics (From Salisbury Journal)

Laura plays starring role in Paralympics

6:10am Thursday 6th September 2012 in News By Jill Harding

A CARPENTER from Salisbury Playhouse moved from a behind-the-scenes role into the limelight when she took part in the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games.

Laura Davies performed before 80,000 people in the Olympic Stadium, as well as a television audience of a billion, when she took part in last Wednesday’s inspirational event.

Miss Davies was one of 600 colourful dancers twirling illuminated umbrellas in the opening sequence of the ceremony.

She had applied online several months ago and went through two auditions and an anxious wait before discovering she was going to be part of the spectacular.

“I kept nervously checking my emails every day,” she said. “After about eight weeks it finally came through and I was so excited.”

The dancers attended regular rehearsals in the build-up to the glittering ceremony. “The work that went into it was incredible,” said Miss Davies.

“Backstage on the night it was just pure excitement and the atmosphere in the stadium was incredible.

“I was lucky enough to see lots of the Paralympic events afterwards and the whole thing has been fantastic.”

Back in Salisbury Miss Davies has been busy building sets for Stepping Out, which opens at the Playhouse tonight.

“It was very different for me to get the chance to perform,” she said. “I’m not a dancer but the people in the ceremony were of all abilities and everyone was so kind and friendly.

“It was an unforgettable experience.”