Stage is set for soaring street soprano

She has busked on the streets of Norwich and sung on the stage at the London Palladium.

Now Norfolk soprano is launching her rocketing talents into spotlight at Sheringham Little Theatre.

The 31-year-old, who is amazed at her spiralling success, will perform classical and show songs, joined by Norwich tenor Ben Lake.

Hayley sang and studied musical theatre at college but her skills were only showcased in karaoke during a career as a website and graphic designer.

After a pub open mic night a friend suggested she should busk. Her stunning voice was heard by nearby jewellers Winsor Bishop, who hired her for a performance in front of 200 corporate guests at Norwich Cathedral. That in turn led to singing at Norwich City's Carrow Road ground in pre-match and half time entertainment for 27,000 people.

She was able to give up her design 'day job' and then this spring was invited to appear at the prestigious Palladium in a buskers special, singing Time to Say Goodbye.

Hayley said: 'If someone had told me, while I was busking in Norwich a year ago, that I would be singing at a football stadium and the Palladium in the next few months I would not have believed them. It is unreal but fantastic. '

Hayley, from Woodbastwick, has teamed up with Ben, 38, from Cringleford, who has appeared in West End productions of Phantom of the Opera and Jerry Springer the Opera.

As solo and duet acts they do weddings, corporate work, but still regularly busk in Norwich near the Jarrold store.

Hayley added. 'Busking really helped build my confidence and to learn what the public wants. I had one couple come up and put £20 in the hat saying they were so grateful for an introduction to classical music they could not otherwise afford to see performed live.'

Their Sheringham show on Saturday April 1 at 7.30pm will be a mixture of classic, standard and musical theatre songs.

For tickets and more information contact Sheringham Little Theatre on 01263 822347, or www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com