Jayne Wisener goes back to DH Christie

JAYNE Wisener certainly hasn’t forgotten her roots.

The talented local actress made a flying visit to Coleraine last Wednesday to attend a very special ceremony at her old primary school.

Jayne, who is best known for her role Johanna in ‘Sweeney Todd’ was delighted to be invited back to DH Christie to officially open her old school’s play area.

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It was a special day for staff and pupils, who are very proud to count Jayne as a former pupil.

Speaking during a special assembly, principal Mrs Jennifer Campbell told pupils that they should be proud of Jayne, and pointed out that it was during her primary seven year that she got her first taste of acting.

From playing the lead role in ‘Annie’ in primary seven, Jayne has gone on to star alongside Hollywood heartthrob Johnny Depp in the film ‘Sweeney Todd’ and more recently stared in Channel 4’s hit comedy ‘The In-betweeners’. She also played a superb cameo role in Martina Cole’s The Runaway, screened last week.

“We are very proud of Jayne and we keep a very close eye on her career,” said Mrs Campbell.

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During the event, members of the Board of Governors, Parents’ Association, parents, staff and children got to hear Jayne taking about her career and her memories of school.

“I was never unhappy at Christie,” said Jayne. “I remember playing rounders, netball and I loved music when I was here.”

Speaking about being in the limelight, the modest Coleraine girl said she didn’t consider herself to be famous: “I never really get recognised. I think I look different on TV.

“I’ve been recognised a few times since I was on ‘The In-betweeners’ but no one really bothers me. It’s different when I come back home to Coleraine, everyone knows everyone else.”

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Jayne who is now based in London still loves coming home. “I try and get home every few months just to stay grounded. Although I am now based in London, Coleraine is still my home.”

And the future looks bright for the 19 year old who will be appearing in the film ‘Jane Eyre’, which will be out later this year and she had just finished a stage play.

She added: “I will give myself a week, then I’ll start auditioning for things.”

During the special assembly, two of the school’s pupils were invited onto stage to meet Jayne.

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Ruby Butcher starred alongside James Nesbitt in the film ‘Occupation’ and will appear in ‘City of Embers’ a film which is out later this year, which was filmed in Belfast.

Christopher Young, another talented pupil, picked up a part in ‘Crown’ another film that will be released later this year.

The pair were delighted to spend some time with beautiful Jayne - and they hope that one day they will follow in her footsteps.

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