A SCHOOLGIRL from Farnham is on the path to rock and roll greatness having appeared on BBC Children in Need last Friday as part of the cast of touring West End show School of Rock.

Marikit Akiwumi, 12, was handed the role of bass player Katie in the hit musical, based on the 2003 comedy film starring Jack Black, after two years of auditions and rehearsals in London.

She has so far performed at four venues on the show’s UK tour since September, which will come to the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton from July 18 to 23 next year.

And it has already opened doors for the young musician-turned-actor, with Marikit enjoying her national TV debut last week, performing two songs - the Blue Peter theme tune and Teacher’s Pet from the School of Rock show and film - as part of the Children in Need telethon.

In doing so, she helped the 41st Children in Need appeal raise an incredible £39,389,048 on the night - beating 2020’s total by £2 million.

But it is just the beginning for the big-dreaming 12-year-old, who spoke to the Herald after recording an audition for a new top-secret project in the USA.

So how did the Guildford High School prodigy find performing in front of millions?

"It was really, really fun because it was my first time performing in front of cameras," she said. "It was a little bit scary, but I’d like to do it again!"

Marikit’s first love is music, and she plays no fewer than six instruments; the saxophone, clarinet, guitar, piano, recorder and bass guitar - as well as singing. But on a family friend’s suggestion, she auditioned for a role in School of Rock in 2019, and after last year’s tour was cancelled, made her acting debut in September.

"It’s really exciting," she added. "Sometimes it’s a bit nerve-racking before you go on stage, but once you’re on there, it’s fine. I’m enjoying it a lot."

She’s also gaining valuable experience performing alongside professional actors.

"They’re very, very good," Marikit continued. "In a few of the shows, a few things went a little bit wrong, but they always manage to improvise and make it work."

She added she’s gaining confidence with every show, and is also getting used to the rigorous touring schedule - with just a week’s gap between each run of shows.

"I’ve done a few venues now so it’s getting a bit easier, and I understand it more," she said, adding she takes tutoring sessions on tour to keep up with her school work.

So what’s next for Marikit?

"I’d like to get into the Lion King, and maybe record an album with a band one day. That’s pretty much all I’ve got in mind right now!"

Watch Marikit in action on her YouTube.com channel ’Marikit Rocks’.