Hospital theatre to musical theatre

Saoirse Rafferty (below) has literally gone from hospital theatre to musical theatre in two short years - landing parts in a musical production in Dublin in July and “Annie Get Your Gun,” in Armagh and Belfast in October.

The 11-year-old pupil of St Patrick’s Primary, Loup, fell ill two years ago and was admitted to the Royal Victoria Hospital on Christmas Day.

Following tests doctors discovered a large mass behind one of her eyes that turned out to be Lymphangioma – a rare benign tumour which had caused a haemorrhage behind the eye.

Unfortunately, no medical or surgical intervention would alter the situation and Saoirse’s physical activities had to be restricted as the slightest knock could bring on another haemorrhage.

“It was a very worrying time for the whole family as we didn’t know how things would turn out for her,” said mum Martina.

“Saoirse always liked entertaining us at home but we didn’t think anything of it. After this happened she just seemed to change.”

Martina and dad Christopher wanted her to regain confidence after coming out of hospital by letting her do the thing she most loved – singing.

She joined The Mid-Ulster School of Music where music teacher Fiona Donaghy immediately spotted her talent.

“I was very impressed by Saoirse from the start and knew that she was something special,” explained Fiona.

As her talent progressed Fiona decided the next step would be an audition in the Grand Opera House, Belfast. After a nine-hour long audition Saoirse’s talent was spotted once again and to everyone’s delight she got through to All Ireland level.

The next step was ‘boot camp’ with MT4UTH Music Theatre, Belfast, who bring over teams of International artistic staff currently working as directors, choregraphers and musical directors on professional productions in the West End and throughout Europe.

After a successful week at ‘boot camp’, Saoirse once again made an impression and was hand-picked by West End director Sid Ralph to perform at Hillsborough Castle and for the “Annie Get Your Gun” production in Armagh Theatre and Belfast Theatre in the autumn.

Saoirse has currently reached her level 4 in music theatre with top distinctions, scoring a remarkable 98 out of 100.

“I’m so proud of what Saoirse has achieved with the music school in such a short space of time and I hope to see her name in lights in the West End,” said Fiona.

She is currently working hard with Fiona and the school for their performance of Mid-Ulster School of Music Rocks in Burnavon Theatre, Cookstown, on May 21 and May 22. Tickets now on sale, contact Fiona 07754074931.

* Saoirse thanks everyone who has helped and supported her over the last two years – special thanks to her music teacher Fiona, MT4UTH, Dr White and his staff at the Royal Victoria, who are still closely monitoring her condition, Mr Traynor of St Patrick’s Loup, her parents and friends for their support.