Editing Nikki Webster (section)

== Early career ==
Webster's first acting role was as part of the ensemble cast in the pantomime ''[[Cinderella]]'' at the [[State Theatre (Sydney)|State theatre]] in Sydney, at the age of five.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.watoday.com.au/news/tax/it-pays-to-have-a-great-accountant/2008/04/12/1207856903957.html | work=WA Today | title=It pays to have a great accountant | date=13 April 2008}}</ref> The production starred [[Jo Beth Taylor]] as Cinderella, [[Nancye Hayes]] as the Fairy Godmother, [[Lochie Daddo]] as the Prince, [[Bert Newton]] as The Baron, and [[Bruce Spence]] and [[Paul Blackwell (actor)|Paul Blackwell]] as the Ugly Step-sisters. The following year she appeared in a production of ''[[Aladdin]]''.

Webster appeared in television commercials including [[Twisties]], [[Lay's]] chips and [[Campbell Soup Company|Campbell's Soup]].<ref>{{cite news | work=The Sun-Herald | title=Still flying high | date=10 December 2000}}</ref> At 10 years old, Webster played the Young Cosette in ''[[Les Misérables (musical)|Les Misérables]]'', and in 1999–2000 starred as Brigitta Von Trapp in a stage production of ''[[The Sound of Music]]'', alongside [[Lisa McCune]], [[John Waters (actor)|John Waters]] and [[Bert Newton]].

In March 2000, Webster auditioned for an unknown part in the [[2000 Summer Olympics opening ceremony]]. In August, following an elimination process, she was told by opening ceremony artistic director/producer [[David Atkins]] that the role was hers.<ref>{{cite news | work=Stage Whispers | title=Child Stars – What happens when they grow up? | date=November 2011}}</ref>

At the age of 13, Webster played a major part in the opening ceremony, including performing the song "Under Southern Skies". She also performed "[[We'll Be One]]" at the [[2000 Summer Olympics closing ceremony|closing ceremony]].