She wowed thousands after being picked to play the drums for world famous rock band The Killers during a live sell-out gig at Norwich City's Carrow Road stadium.

And teenager Grace Ellis will be shining on stage again next month - as she rocks a new audience.

The 19-year-old, from Worlingham, Beccles will be playing drums as a live band supports the B&B Young People’s Theatre Group’s upcoming production of School of Rock.

Norwich Evening News: Grace Ellis - raising her drumsticks high in the air - with other band members ahead of the B&B Young People’s Theatre Group’s production of School of Rock. Picture: Fay BishopGrace Ellis - raising her drumsticks high in the air - with other band members ahead of the B&B Young People’s Theatre Group’s production of School of Rock. Picture: Fay Bishop (Image: Fay Bishop)

Dreams had come true in the summer of 2022 for the then 17-year-old - who has been playing the drums since she was 11 - after she was chosen by the American indie rock band's frontman, Brandon Flowers, to play For Reasons Unknown in front of 35,000 people.

Norwich Evening News: Student Grace Ellis was invited on stage with The Killers at Carrow Road.

She had completed an AS biology exam at East Norfolk Sixth Form College in Gorleston on the afternoon of the gig and then headed straight to the stadium with her dad, auntie and best friend to see the Las Vegas rockers - taking a Las Vegas-style sign she had made the night before to grab the band's attention.

The special banner - asking if she could play 'For Reasons' - was held up in front of the band.

Miss Ellis said: "It had become a tradition for The Killers to pick someone from the audience to take over on drums for this number.

"I practiced on my drum kit in the garage as it was my dream to play with them.

Norwich Evening News: Grace Ellis on stage in front of a crowd of 35,000 playing drums with The Killers at Carrow Road in 2022. Picture: Rob LoudGrace Ellis on stage in front of a crowd of 35,000 playing drums with The Killers at Carrow Road in 2022. Picture: Rob Loud (Image: Rob Loud)

"We arrived in time to be at the front of the 35,000 audience.

"When the time came for the band to pick a drummer the crowd cheered for me, and so I was chosen to play live with The Killers"

Norwich Evening News: Local drummer Grace performing with The Killers at Carrow Road.

And after wowing the crowds with an amazing performance, she admitted the experience was "absolutely awesome" and it was "definitely the best day" of her life.

School of Rock to be staged

With talented young performers from the B&B Young People’s Theatre Group performing School of Rock at the Players Theatre in Lowestoft, the cast will be accompanied by a live band featuring Grace on drums, that includes Ian (61) guitar, Angel (17) bass, Olly (15) guitar, Bailey (16) guitar, Rebecca (39) keyboard and Francesca (26) keyboard and conductor.

Now working in London for the BBC as a technical production apprentice in radio and music, Miss Ellis will also be programming the stage lighting - admitting she was excited to be playing along to her own lighting.

School of Rock will be performed at the Players Theatre in Lowestoft from April 2 to April 7.

Tickets are available online or call 01502 770020.