JAZZ singer Tara Grainger is living proof that dropping off your demo does actually work, writes MATT TROLLOPE. Because that s exactly how she got her regular work at Theatre Royal, Stratford East. The former Sylvia Young Theatre School student can now be

JAZZ singer Tara Grainger is living proof that dropping off your demo does actually work, writes MATT TROLLOPE.

Because that's exactly how she got her regular work at Theatre Royal, Stratford East.

The former Sylvia Young Theatre School student can now be found singing in the bar at the theatre two or three times a month.

Brought up in west London, the 32-year-old, has spent the past few years living in Hackney and Brick Lane.

But a rare allergy to a cat belonging to a housemate in Hackney damaged her voice recently, so she's temporarily moved back west to her mum's house to recover.

As well as her budding solo career, Tara also fronts a gypsy jazz band called La Bouche Manouche (which means The Gypsy Voice).

And now the former nanny has given up full-time work to concentrate on her music career.

She told Review: "Working at the theatre on my own, or as a duo with a pianist, and being in the band too really gives me the best of everything.

"I really like to travel with my voice, and to develop it as much as possible."

A quick listen to Tara's versions of popular songs like Georgia and Bye Bye Blackbird on her myspace page shows why the powers that be at the Theatre Royal were impressed.

She certainly seems to be a unique talent, and adds: "I love singing jazz, but I'd like to try folk at some point as well. Whatever field I focus on, I want to be regarded highly in it and I want to learn as many songs as possible."

Right now that could mean singing anything up to 25 songs in one session at the theatre, so that means taking care of that impressive voice.

She explains: "The voice is such a delicate instrument that you really do have to be so careful."

Tara's next appearance at the Theatre Royal, a three-hour set on Saturday between 3.30pm and 6.30pm looks likely to be cancelled because of the problems with her voice, but she'll be back there throughout October, and the rest of the year.

Check www.stratfordeast.com for updated line-ups.