12:01pm Monday 9th October 2006
By Rob Pritchard
When school finishes for the day, most children's only worries are a bit of homework and what they are having for dinner.
For eight-year-old Eden Mackney, however, the school bell signals the start of a dash to London's West End and a starring role in the world's longest-running musical., Les Miserables.
Eden, from Benfleet, has appeared in the show as the young Eponine since May, but has recently been promoted to the lead child role of Cosette in the hit adaptation of Victor Hugo's novel.
The talented youngster, who attends Crowstone Preparatory School, Westcliff, also took the role in the special 21st anniversary performance of the show held at the Queen's Theatre, London, on Saturday night.
Proud mother Danielle said the role had been a dream come true for her daughter, who trains at the Leigh-based Singer Stage School.
Mrs Mackney said: "Eden has really enjoyed playing Eponine for the past five months, and once the chance to play Cosette came along, she jumped at the chance.
"She has to go up to London three-or-four times a week and it has been very hectic over the past few months, but she really enjoys it.
"Myself and the rest of the family are all very proud of her and she's having a whale of a time, so long may it continue."
Such is her growing stardom that ITV's London Tonight ran a feature on Eden last week, ahead of the 21st anniversary show.
Joining Eden on stage on Saturday evening were Les Miserables stars of the past, including singer Michael Ball, Jon Lee from pop group S Club 7 and Leigh youngster Oliver Bower.
Oliver, nine, has recently left the show after a run in the role of Gavroche.
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