Lauren Kelly Casting sees two of its members star in Wicked movie

Harriet Ryan, nine, and Karis Musongole, 10 are both members of the Warrington-based agency, Lauren Kelly Casting.

The pair, who have been represented by Ms Kelly for several years, had the dream-come-true experience of working alongside pop sensation Ariana Grande and highly acclaimed actress Cynthia Erivo on set of Wicked – which is set to air in cinemas this Friday (November 22).

After the magical trailer was dropped for the movie back in May, it has been a whirlwind few months in the lead up to its release.

The film sees the much-loved musical brought to life, with Ariana Grande stepping into the role of Glinda, the Good Witch of the North and Cynthia Erivo taking on the part of Elphaba, the green Wicked Witch of the West in what is to be the origin story of the classic Wizard of Oz.

Both Karis and Harriet, of Failsworth, had the incredible opportunity to film up close with the cast, with Karis landing the role of young Elphaba and Harriet starring as a 'curious munchkin'.

Harriet Ryan and Karis Musongole are both clients of Warrington-based casting agency Lauren Kelly Casting (Image: Supplied) Speaking with the Warrington Guardian, proud casting agent Lauren, from Appleton, revealed that the this was “the biggest project” she had ever had clients cast for.

“I'm from Warrington and I've represented Karis and Hattie for a few years, but this is the biggest project I've ever had clients in,” she said.  

“Hattie got offered her role first and was already filming when Karis did her audition for Young Elphaba. 

“The girls are close friends and both train together in Manchester.”

Lauren continued: “It was even more surreal when I got the call from The Telsey Office in LA [casting agency] and I was at home in Appleton.

“They said, ‘I think we're going to offer Karis the part of Young Elphaba’, and they booked her straight from tape.

“It was a few months after we sent it off, so it was quite unexpected.”

Karis landed the role of young Elphaba in the movie (Image: Supplied) The casting agent went on to say what an “amazing experience” Karis had filming in London for the film, adding that she was “so well looked after by everyone on the team”.

Speaking with the Oldham Times about her experience filming for Wicked, the ten-year-old said: “I just couldn't believe that I got to meet some wonderful people.

"I met Cynthia and Ariana as they were on set at the same time as me.

“I spent a little time with Cynthia in between filming and got to watch her doing her flying stunt which was amazing to watch.

"I thought she was so brave to do that. She is such an inspiration."

Both her and Harriet train at Elm Arts in Failsworth.

Karis went on to tell the paper how actress Cynthia is a “massive inspiration” to her “as a person of colour who has done so much, not only on film but also on Broadway”.

Harriet also recalled her experience with The Oldham Times, saying: “The costumes were amazing, seeing the sets and having my hair and makeup done every day made me feel really special.

"It was magical. The days were long, but I loved every minute - I feel so lucky to of been part of it.

"I met Ariana Grande, I worked with her in my scene which was amazing.

"She’s just so beautiful and her voice is like an angel. She looked like a real-life princess.

"I will never forget those moments.”

Concluding, Lauren expressed her excitement at being able to go a view the film as it premieres this Friday alongside her young stars.

She added: “I'm really grateful to have been a tiny part of such a big project and really excited to see it on Friday.

 “I'm going to the cinema with Karis, Hattie and their family and friends so we can all watch it together so I'm really excited to share that experience with them and to see their reactions to the movie.”