MEET the new principal of the Pauline Quirke Academy (PQA) of Performing Arts Conwy in Colwyn Bay.

PQA Conwy is based in Rydal Penrhos. The academy run classes for ages four to 18. Students take part in musical theatre, comedy and drama and film and TV lessons which are delivered by industry experts in a "warm and friendly atmosphere".

Danniella Jackson will be taking over the reins from Lucy Beach on December 20. Students will be on Christmas break, so Danniella's first official day as principal will be on their first day back on January 13 2024.

Danniella has had a long and varied career working as a professional performer.

Since settling down with her husband and toddler in Llandudno, Danniella has taught at various schools across North Wales including Rydal Penrhos teaching dance and more than five years at PQA Conwy where she is currently the musical theatre teacher.

Danniella said: "I am beyond excited to be stepping into the role as principal. I would like to thank Lucy for her incredible work as principal over the past two years and I can’t wait to continue to develop PQA Conwy, taking the students to the West End and beyond.

"We have such an exciting year coming up and it is such a joy to see our students each week who always encourage each other and create the most friendly and supportive atmosphere.

"I am so proud to be a part of it and to become principal is a dream come true."

Next November, PQA Conwy has been invited to take to the stage at His Majesty's Theatre in London's West End performing in PQA’s very own musical.

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Danniella graduated from the renowned Urdang Academy in London with a professional Diploma in Musical Theatre.

She continued her career touring the UK before working onboard Cruise Ships.

Danniella has performed in ‘Elegies’ (Shaw Theatre, London) ‘The Boyfriend’ (Her Majesty’s Theatre, London) and ‘West End to Broadway’ (UK Tour).

Danniella continued her career at sea, and across four years was involved in numerous Cruise Ships roles such as ‘Sally Bowles’ in Cabaret, ‘Baby’ in Dirty Dancing, ‘Fantine’ in Les Miserables and worked alongside professional Italian and Brazilian opera singers in the renowned classical show ‘Musica Maestro’.