An aspiring actor from Co Tyrone has had his big break in London as he is set to appear in a West End show for the first time.
Donal MacAuley will play a role in the production of Camelot at the London Palladium on February 6, having overcome stage fright and anxiety in his early days of acting.
The former Integrated College Dungannon pupil was a member of the Craic Theatre in Coalisland for 10 years, and now attends the prestigious Trinity Laban drama school in London.
Speaking to MyTyrone about his big break, Donal said he hopes this is the start of big things to come in his career.
“It’s going to be a really great opportunity to showcase myself, it’s just magical,” Donal said.
“Just to get into drama school was a dream come true, I used to suffer from stage fright and as recent as five years ago I couldn’t even get on stage.
“So now to see where I’m at it’s just so surreal.
“We have just three days of rehearsals and then the show, but that’s show business I guess.
“It’s a one night only performance, there will be some people flying in from New York and things like that for it.
“It’s going to be a real intense rehearsal process to fit it all into three days, but it will be interesting enough.”
Donal opened up on his battles with stage fright and panic attacks, which came out of nowhere even though he had been a regular on the community theatre stage.
“I was with Craic Theatre for about 10 years, and just suddenly started taking panic attacks,” he explained.
“I’d have to thank teachers at my school who gave me lead roles at a time where they weren’t even sure if I was able to get on stage.
“I remember doing singing lessons with my teacher Orlagh Devine, having to sit down because I couldn’t even stand up and sing as my legs would give way with the nerves.
“There was a time where I had to consider whether I could even do this as an A Level, so to see where I am now is incredible.”
The Dungannon college’s principal Andrew Sleeth said he was delighted for the school’s former pupil
Mr Sleeth added: “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.”
