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Ashford actress who has starred with Angelina Jolie appears in National Theatre production of 'Small Island'

A young Kent actress is appearing on our screens as her performance in a National Theatre production hits the internet.

Ashford starlet Keira Chansa appeared in the stage adaptation of 'Small Island' which had a sold-out run at the London theatre in 2019.

Keira Chansa appeared in 'Small Island' (37190365)
Keira Chansa appeared in 'Small Island' (37190365)

Now, for a short time only, the production is available to stream on the National Theatre YouTube channel.

The play has been uploaded as part of the theatre's 'National Theatre at Home' campaign, which seeks to entertain people who can't make it to plays during the coronavirus pandemic.

Keira, who plays a young version of Hortense, one of the main characters, said that the play was "an amazing experience".

She said: "It was wonderful to be part of such a talented group.

"Going on stage was terrifying but it was definitely worth it, 100%."

"Going on stage was terrifying"

The budding star, who turned 11 two weeks ago, has already worked with massive names in the film industry.

This year, she took on a role as the daughter of Angelina Jolie and David Oyelowo in the fantasy drama 'Come Away'.

The film, which sees Peter Pan and Alice (from Alice in Wonderland) as siblings trying to help their parents overcome the death of their eldest son, premiered at the Sundance film festival in January.

With film and television experience already under her belt- and a role in the upcoming Netflix series 'The Irregulars' - Keira even set about developing new skills for her role on stage.

She explained: "I'd say the hardest thing was developing a Jamaican accent.

Keira in her costume as 'Little Hortense' (37190368)
Keira in her costume as 'Little Hortense' (37190368)

"I've done accents before but never Jamaican, and I really didn't think I'd be able to do it.

"But once I'd got the role, my family set about helping me practice and I managed it in the end!"

You can watch Keira and the rest of the critically-acclaimed cast of 'Small Island' on the National Theatre's YouTube channel here.

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford

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