A STAR of High School Musical 3 has tipped an 11-year-old Burnley girl to become the next big thing.

Jemma McKenzie-Brown, who played Tiara Gold in the smash hit movie, said she was amazed by the performance of Jessica Parkinson in Annie at Burnley.

She was invited to see the performance by Jessica’s brother Chris, who attends the Sylvia Young Theatre School in London with Jemma.

Jessica, who performs with the BASICS junior theatre group, said: “It was great to know Jemma was in the audience.

“All my friends were taking photos of her with their phones before the show and getting autographs.

“I’d love to follow in the footsteps of her and my brother in theatre.”

The aspiring performer, who attends Blessed Trinity high school, left her mark on Jemma, who has also appeared BBC drama The Amazing Mrs Pritchard with Jane Horrocks.

Jemma said: “Jessica owns the stage when she is performing.

“There is something about her that shows she belongs at centre stage, and her voice is just incredible.

“There is star quality there for sure.”

Jemma was not the only one that was left pleasantly surprised by the youngster’s portrayal of Annie.

Chris said: “Because I live in London I don’t make it back up here much, so to see my little sister do that was amazing.

“Jemma grabbed my hand when my sister started singing, because it really was something else.

“Me and my Mum were so proud of her up there, she definitely has what it takes to go further in theatre that is for sure.”