That realisation inspires fear in Janine Atwill, 24, when she is on stage, but there is no other place she would rather be.

The former Glen Waverley Secondary College student is preparing for her part in the musical Mary Bryant, which tells the story of a convict who arrives with the First Fleet and tries to escape.

Atwill, who plays Bryant's sister Joanna Brand, says she has enjoyed working with a talented cast with "phenomenal stage credentials".

Mary Bryant is at Theatreworks, 14 Acland Street, St Kilda, from November 21-24. Bookings: 93520232 or www.magtix.comPicture: Rob Carew