YOU can do anything if you put your mind to it, an inspirational theatre actress has said.

These are the words of 23-year-old Jessica Jolleys who has made her dreams a reality as she makes her on-stage debut at Theatr Clwyd.

Jessica, who is originally from Hull, is playing the role of Jill in a rock 'n' roll re-make of Jack and the Beanstalk, despite being visually impaired.

The actress was born with two eye conditions, which she inherited from her father who is now completely blind.

As well as having a condition called nystagmus which causes her eyes to shake and a distorted movement, she also has a condition that affects her long-distance vision.

She told the Leader: “I inherited two different eye conditions from birth, it’s deteriorating but I have found my own way to cope in life and in work.

“It’s trial and error, but it’s made me more determined.

“It’s so important to know that if you have a disability, it doesn’t stop you from doing what you want to do. You can do anything if you put your mind to it.

“I’ve not come across anyone so far that has said I couldn’t do it. Everyone has been really accommodating and wants to help. From the team backstage or the cast I’m working on stage with. From extra lighting to taping the mic on the mic stand so I don’t drop the mic.

“I would say go for it and not to let anyone stop you. You’ve got to work out the ways which will help you.”

The young actress said she originally found her love of the arts through music and played instruments such as the piano, saxophone and trumpet.

Jessica has graduated from drama training this year and said this taught her to use music on the stage, which eventually led to her landing the role at Theatr Clwyd.

She said: “It’s my first professional debut, I only finished drama school this year and it’s going great.

“There’s a fantastic team around me. Working with professionals is fun, it’s a laugh and it’s great because you think you’ve done all of your training at college once you’ve finished but I have learnt so much just from working with these experienced people.

“Even from the confidence and the way they interact with the audience, I’m learning every day.

“Someone messaged me the other day to say her daughter has an eye condition and wants to be an actress and I said you’ve got to believe in yourself and go for it.”

Jessica will be spending Christmas in Mold with her family as they go out for a festive meal.

She added: “It makes a nice change, it will be a chance to relax.

“My family and friends have been very supportive, and my dad especially has been really positive. He is convinced to defy the odds so he will go out alone and that pushed me into having the same mindset and being confident in what you do.

“It’s great being on the stage, there’s no feeling like it. You get this massive buzz, especially in something like this. The audience is like the 11th cast member and it’s about working with them.

“It’s also exciting hearing the kid’s response because this might be the first time they have come to the theatre.

“It’s nice when you pick up an instrument and you could be inspiring other children to play an instrument when they leave.”

Jessica said that when she went for her audition, she was honoured to have found out she had the part a couple of months later.

She said: “In the future I have written an album which I’d like to tour around, Jazzy/folk kind of stuff and I’d like to do more musical theatre. It’s about pushing my boundaries and seeing what I can do.”

Jack and the Beanstalk will be showing at Theatr Clwyd until January 18.