Globe columnist Peter Grant meets the girl who will step into Cilla’s shoes.

WHEN it was announced there would be open auditions for the role of Cilla Black in a new musical thousands of hopefuls went for the challenge.

Now Cilla's son and executive producer Robert Willis and the other producers have found the woman who will play the legendary Liverpudlian in the world premiere of Cilla - The Musical at the Empire in September which will then tour.

I went along to the auditions earlier this year in Liverpool. 

It was striking to see the talented wannabee Cillas who queued up outside the Lime Street venue where Cilla Black had starred herself.

Last week the Globe was invited to attend the Cavern where the final shortlist of Cillas sang two Cilla classics live - including Anyone who had a heart.

Wirral Globe:

Kara will star as Cilla in the Musical biopic. Picture: Jono Symonds​

I stood in the club where Cilla herself was once a cloakroom girl and later a star and where now outside a statue to the Scotty Road songstress stands.

So who is the new stage Cilla Black?

Enter Kata Lily Hayworth from Watford.

Following weeks of auditions up and down the country the producers have a lorra lorra faith in her.

I stood next to Robert at the Cavern as he heard the final shortlist and I knew then he was suitably impressed with this talented charismatic girl.

I have interviewed Cilla many times and I, too, could see in Kara that 'X factor’ that Cilla had – that natural magic.

Robert said of the discovery who had queued for four hours to audition at London's Dominion Theatre: "We wanted someone to capture mum's spirit. Not an impersonation.

"Kara came in with her huge personality and amazing voice.

"When I saw the reaction from the audience at the Cavern I knew we had found her."

Kara, a graduate from the Central School of Speech and Drama, is excited and nervous about her leading role and debut tour.

Kara has been a fan of Cilla since she was 11 years old and even met her idol.

"I was out shopping with my mum and we bumped into her and asked for an autograph.

"I told her I wanted to be an actress – she laughed and told me it was a 'tough industry.'" 

Kara, who was bursting with confidence at her final Cavern audition with an on-stage band, added that Cilla gave her solid advice and inspiration to follow her dream.

She told Kara: "If you work hard and go for it you will be fine."

Kara added: "I grew up watching Blind Date with my nan.

"To be chosen to play her is such an honour and I am so excited to take on the role.

"To open in her hometown is so special and a real privilege."

Now surprise surprise, Kara, life has come full circle.

Congratulations.

Cilla - The Musical, written by Jeff Pope and directed by Bill Kenwright and Bob Tompson, is at the Empire from September 7 to 16.