New kid on the boards

The Redgrave acting dynasty has produced some of Britain's greatest stars. From Sir Michael through Vanessa and Corin to Joely Richardson, three generations have carved out a unique place on stage and screen.

Now there is a new member making her name - in a Christmas pantomime. Less than six months ago, Colette Redgrave was a stage school hopeful with a passion for music. Now she is following her relatives - distant cousins, admittedly - into the limelight as the princess in Jack And The Beanstalk at the Shaw Theatre.

Colette looks set to forge a career her family would be proud of. The 20-year-old's link to the Redgrave dynasty is through her great-grandfather Herbert, who was Sir Michael's cousin. Colette cites her maternal grandmother, who died three months ago, as a great inspiration.

"She used to make it very clear who I was related to and what my surname was. It was brought to my attention very early on what the family did. That just makes me more determined to succeed on my own terms. I'm certainly not trading on the name."

However, Colette, who completed a three-year theatre course last summer, admits being a Redgrave has its advantages: she can call on the experienced Corin for advice. "He's given me a few pointers about acting," she said. "He told me never to lose heart. It was a timely confidence boost."

While a student, Colette won the Sheila O'Neill prize for outstanding achievement - previous winners have included Liz Hurley.

Jack And The Beanstalk director Dick Ray is sure of her potential.

"She's primarily an actress but she has a beautiful voice and her dancing is exceptional," he said. "And, of course, she's a beautiful girl. If there is any justice she will be a major star."

Meanwhile, Colette is putting in the hard work. "It's very difficult when you're a young actress, and I keep myself very busy doing part-time jobs at theatres as well as acting," she said. "I'm not doing it for fame or fortune first, I'm doing it for myself."

The Redgraves are perhaps Britain's most distinguished thespian dynasty. Sir Michael rose to prominence in the Thirties, fathering Vanessa, Corin and Lynn. He made a string of classical roles his own. Vanessa won an Oscar for the 1977 film, Julia, and also became known for her Left-wing politics. Her children, Natasha and Joely Richardson, are both actresses.

Corin, who appeared in Four Weddings And A Funeral, has four children. His daughter, Jemma, stars in the film The Acid House. Lynn starred in Sixties classic Georgy Girl.