A former Harpenden pupil is set to make her television debut on musical theatre programme, The Elaine Paige Show tonight.

Charlotte Palmer, 22, will appear under her stage name ‘Charlie Langham’ on the show at 8pm, which is broadcast on Sky Arts 1 and on Thursday, May 29 at 2am and 6pm.

The former Roundwood Park pupil will perform a Broadway number ‘If my friends could see me now’ long since immortalised on film by Shirley MacLaine. 

She will appear alongside celebrity guests, Maureen Lipmann, Hannah Waddington, Clive Rowe as well as Broadway star Christine Andreas.

Selected from hundreds of students, Ms Palmer successfully auditioned for the unique opportunity to learn from Elaine Paige and perform a song chosen by “The First Lady of Musical Theatre’ from the much-loved show Sweet Charity.

She said: “Elaine gave me expert advice about being physically free enough to own the stage and use it effectively as this song demands spontaneity to make use of the space, particularly as Charity is such an energised and dynamic character.

“As I was singing her words it suddenly sunk in just how apt were some of the lyrics in the song.  All I can say is wowee- look at where I am.

“It was especially nerve wracking as I'm not as used to performing to cameras as I am to people, but having such a warm, receptive audience certainly helped.

"It was also an amazing workshop experience beforehand and a wonderful opportunity to be mentored by Elaine Paige.”

Ms Palmer is currently completing her final year studying for a Batchelor of Arts (Hons) in Musical Theatre at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in North London.

During her years of study she has performed as Kitty in Anna Karenina, Ann in Half A Sixpence, and Mrs Walker in the rock opera Tommy.   She has also performed on stage with Peter Polycarpou at the Garrick Theatre.