Who's older? Caroline, the interviewer or Grace, the guest?

Year 8 students at Loreto College in Hertfordshire asked Grace about her first professional role as Brigitta, as part of BBC News School Report.

Caroline, Lauren and another Grace interviewed the actress, who has also played Cosette - the character whose face has become the trademark of Les Miserables.

Grace, who is used to being interviewed by adult reporters, enjoyed the encounter with journalists her own age.

"It made it more fun in a way because I had more in common with them," she said. "It felt more like chatting than an interview."

Caroline, from Loreto College, said: "I felt Grace was really brave. We were a lot more nervous than she was."

Her classmate Lauren added: "She was so easy to talk to."

Head of English, Margaret Tinsley, said: "This was a really positive experience for the students."

Interview with Grace By Caroline, Grace and Lauren School Reporters, Loreto College, Hertfordshire

Did you watch How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?

Yes, I found it really interesting. I thought Connie, the Maria chosen, was definitely the best actress for the job. I don't think that any of the others would have been able to act as well as she does.

Who do you play in The Sound of Music?

I play Brigitta - the third youngest child.

How did you get the part?

I went to a two week Summer Theatre School. After the first week I was sent to audition. After three auditions I received the part.

How did you feel when you were told you had got the part as Brigitte?

I was overwhelmed. I just couldn't believe it. It was absolutely amazing!

Is your character similar to Brigitte's?

I think so. We both read a lot, and we both like to learn.

How often did you rehearse before the show went on stage?

For about a month and a half we rehearsed five afternoons a week. This was really good fun, but schoolwork was hard to catch up with.

Were all the rehearsals worthwhile?

Sound of Music star 12-year-old Grace.

Definitely! The show's going really well. I've been in seven performances so far. I haven't forgotten any lines - yet! Once, I said my lines and then Connie (Maria) didn't come on stage. I didn't know whether to make up some random lines, or just wait. I was on my own on stage, not knowing what to do!

How long did it take to learn your words?

I'd say about three weeks.

Do you like the other people, of your age, taking part in The Sound of Music?

Only six people are younger than me, but everyone's really nice. They're all 'down to earth' people.

How do people at school feel about you acting in this play?

My friends are very pleased for me, as are most people. However, some people think I'm showing off and are not very nice. Most people are really nice about it.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I used to want to be a vet. After that I wanted to be a Spice Girl!

Do you do lots of singing in the play?

There are quite a lot of songs that everyone sings together and everyone has a few short lines as solos.

What's the best thing you've ever done?

Acting in The Sound of Music.

How long have you wanted to be an actress?

For about four years.

How old were you when you were in your first production?

When I was in nursery, aged three, there was a nativity play. I was an angel in this play.

Have you ever played the main part in a show?

When I acted in an amateur production of Oliver Twist, I played Oliver.

Can you see yourself as an actual singer?

Not really, I much prefer acting.

Would you like to be anyone from a television programme?

It would be fun to be Tracy Beaker, because she gets to be really naughty all the time. It would also be good to be Wendy from Peter Pan. I'd get to fly around!

Have you ever met anyone famous?

I've met Lesley Garrett and Andrew Lloyd Webber. They're both connected with The Sound of Music.

How do you feel before a big show?

Before one particular big show, there were butterflies and moths in my stomach. After the first number I was hyper for the rest of the day - and night!

What are your favourite subjects at school?

I enjoy Art, English, Drama and Design Technology, but hate Physical Education. This is because you have to get cold, wet and muddy!

What would you like to do if you didn't act?

I would like to do something to do with art.

What do you do when you're not in a show?

I have lots of spare time.

I play the piano and I do tap dancing and ballet. I love to read and lots of time is taken up with homework.

Who is your favourite actor or actress?

Catherine Zeta Jones. She's brilliant!

How do you fit your education in with the shows?

The teachers fill in a sheet of class work and homework and I just do the work whenever I can. I have lots of half days at school. This makes a full six-hour day of school seem really long! Sometimes I don't understand how people put up with it every day!

If you could be anyone for a day, who would you be?

I would be the Queen because I'd be able to see everything from her point of view.

Have you got any pets?

I have a big, fat, lazy, old cat called Jemima.

What's your favourite book?

I love the Harry Potter books. They're very cleverly written. I liked the first book best because it was all new and you could read it without knowing anything about the story beforehand. I also like all the Harry Potter films except the third one - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

What's your favourite film?

The Sound of Music.

What television programmes do you like to watch?

I love watching Friends. I also watch The Simpsons and Malcolm in the Middle. My brother watches Sponge Bob Square Pants, so I often watch it with him. It's very funny so I don't mind too much.