Former ICD student gets his big break on stage in the West End

A FORMER pupil of Integrated College Dungannon (ICD) has expressed his delight at being selected to perform in a production of ‘Camelot’ on the West End.

Donal MacAuley will star in the one-night special featuring some of the biggest and upcoming names on the West End, including Olivier and Tony Award nominee Ramin Karimloo, who performed in some of the West End’s most enduring productions, most notably ‘Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘Les Misérables’.

Donal attends the prestigious Trinity Laban, in London and auditioned for the show in November. He found out about a week later that he, alongside a number of friends from his year in College, had been selected.

“I am looking forward to the production and am delighted to have been selected from the auditions and to achieve this before I have even graduated,” said Donal. “I’m really excited to be making my West End debut in ‘The London Palladium’ of all venues. This is my final year of training at Trinity Laban and I have enjoyed every minute of it.”

Donal also expressed his thanks to the support of his former school. He added, “I want to thank all the staff at ICD for their contribution to getting me to where I am today, especially Orlagh Devine, my former singing teacher, who encouraged me to keep singing.

“Also Mrs Campbell and Miss Daly, in the Performing Arts Department, who stood by me throughout the years and helped me find the enjoyment and comfort in performing, and for persuading me to continue my education beyond ICD and to audition for drama schools.”

ICD is renowned for its excellent Annual College Productions; while studying GCSE and A’ Level Performing Arts at ICD, Donal played the lead role of Fagin in ‘Oliver’ and the lead role of Galileo in ‘We Will Rock you’.

College principal, Mr Andrew Sleeth said, “I am delighted for Donal and I am not surprised. His dedication to Performing Arts was evident while he attended the College and it was our privilege to have him attend ICD and to watch him grow in confidence.

“I wish him every success in his debut performance on the West End.”