Catholic girl wins place at top drama school

Rosemary Boyle

A 17-year-old Catholic girl who began acting in productions in her local parish has won a place at one of the country's top drama schools.

Rosemary Boyle, a parishioner of Christ Church Priory, Eltham, was one of only 26 applicants out of 3,000 to be awarded a place on the three-year course beginning next September at Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.

The teenager will be following in the footsteps of stars such as Ewan McGregor, Daniel Craig and Sarah Lancashire.

"I am over the moon," said Rosemary, a former pupil of St Thomas More Catholic Comprehensive in Eltham. "The auditions for Guildhall were incredibly demanding. I didn't think I would get in. This is a dream come true."

She got bitten by the acting bug when she joined her parish drama group at the age of seven. Her first role on stage was as the bird lady in Mary Poppins.

Since then, her performances have included parts in Oliver and Nine at the Edinburgh Festival, play readings at BAFTA new writing forums and singing soprano at Westminster Abbey.

When she's not performing, Rosemary often helps out at 'Beauty & the Bib', her parents' designer babywear shop in Greenwich Market.

Her father Kieran, originally from Tuam, County Galway, said: "Rosemary has worked really hard to get into Guildhall. She has always been passionate about acting and singing."