THE leading lady in a youth production of Bugsy Malone is doing as her character does – by setting off for Hollywood.

Alex Wischhusen, 11, hopes to win an agent in Los Angeles after her dad announced the family was packing up and going to the States.

Alex auditioned along with scores of other children for the role of Blousey Brown in Swish of the Curtain’s production of Bugsy Malone, which is at Bournemouth’s Pavilion Theatre from February 18-21.

Her character is a wannabe singer who is determined to go to Hollywood.

But unlike Blousey, her family has the means to make the wish come true, as dad Stuart runs a company with an operation in California.

“In the show, Blousey is trying to get to Hollywood. I asked my dad if I could go back to America and get an agent in America,” said Alex.

“It’s like a story about me.”

Stuart is co-founder of B-pak 360 Ltd, based at Bournemouth Airport, which supplies packaging for mobile phone SIM cards, loyalty and gift cards. The family have previously lived in Santa Barbara, California, where the company’s US operation is expanding rapidly, and Stuart decided to return.

“I was already thinking about it. I went back six or seven times last year,” he said.

“I thought if I can’t do anything else for her, I can do that. My business needs me there anyway. We’re growing there and I need to be there.”

Mum Natalie is happy to be relocating with Stuart, Alex and four-year-old Elise, to Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles County.

Natalie said: “I’ve never been a stage show mum, but Alex has always loved it. If she was naughty, we’d say ‘You can’t go to Swish unless you behave’. There would be tears!”

Alex added: “I think I need to do shows. I love going to rehearsals on Saturdays. I’m there 9am-5pm. It’s become a second family.”

She will be saying goodbye to friends at Bournemouth Collegiate School before flying to the US in March.

“I think they’re quite sad to see me go but they’re also quite happy for me that I’m going,” Alex added.

Tina Witham, founder of Swish of the Curtain, said: "Alex, like her character, has set her sights high and will not be satisfied till she reaches the stars.

"Sometimes children have that 'extra' something and I think Alex is one: she deserves every success not only in her role but in her time in America after the show.

"I will miss this little star but feel sure, like Blousey she will realise her dreams."