3,000 go Potty for magic role

Madeline Eaton-Belton pout­ed a little, arched an eyebrow and posed – as to the manner born – for the cameras.

“I think I would be perfect for the part of Lavender Brown. It is made for me,” said the highly-­confident 16-year-old from Cheam, Surrey.

Madeline was one of a 3,000-strong legion of hopefuls who started queueing on Saturday night, to audition yesterday for the part of Lavender Brown in the new Harry Potter epic, Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince.

The film’s makers had rightly expected such a huge turnout of wannabe starlets that they hired London’s mammoth Earls Court arena for the tests.

Girls had to be between 15 and 18 years old, residents of the UK or Ireland, and have proof of identity, to be considered. And casting director Fiona Weir added: “You must come as yourselves – strictly no make-up, no costumes and no high heels.”

I think I would be perfect for the part of Lavender Brown. It is made for me

the highly-­confident Madeline Eaton-Belton

She was selecting a total unknown for the role of Lavender Brown who, in the book, is the determined girlfriend of Ron Weasley and a stalwart member of Gryffindor House at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The girls’ queue snaked along the street and up a side road. But even the occasional shower could not dampen the enthusiasm and optimism.

There was much laughter, constant giggling and an occasional burst of song.  Nicole Holliday, a smiling 15-year-old from Essex (“Yes – and I’m proud to be an Essex girl”) had already trodden the professional boards.

“I was an extra in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in the West End,” she said, with pride. “What did you do?” demanded her friend, Hannah Schulze, also 15.

“Oh,” said Nicole, “just, sort of, well, wandered around the stage.”

Two other friends, Lydia Cashin and Rebecca Case, by now well into devouring towering ice-creams, roared with girlish laughter. Three other teenage friends had journeyed to London early yesterday from Ipswich.

Rose Lucas, Lily Patten and Kezia Lock discussed the character of Lavender Brown in some depth.

“She won’t take any competition from the others when it comes to Ron, her boyfriend,” said Rose. “Yeah,” added Lily. “She’s quite cool.”

Some girls had an academic approach. Blonde, very pretty Meggan Smith, 16, from Edinburgh, is studying drama at school.

“The role is open to interpretation,” she said, with the confidence of a ­theatrical director. “I think I would stress her awareness if I’m selected.” They all fancied Harry Potter himself – in the form of the actor Daniel Rad­cliffe. “I think he’s gorgeous,” said one young brunette. “I’d love to snog him. And fancy getting all his kit off in that play.” A blush obligingly appeared.

Fussing around the would-be actresses was a determined brigade of stage mothers – primping hair, whispering encouragement, generally fussing – to the irritation of the daughters.

“These opportunities come along once in a lifetime – and you’ve got to go for it,” said one mother, gazing with ad-oration at her embarrassed daughter.

“Oh mum,” she said, “Give it a rest.” “Nonsense,” said Mum. “You’re gonna be a star whether you like it or not.”

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