Imogen Calderwood
A FORMER Costa del Sol schoolboy has landed a plum role at London’s Royal Opera House.
Former Sotogrande International School student James Weal has been performing alongside the world famous Dame Kiri Te Kanawa in the comic opera La Fille Du Regiment this month.
Weal’s promising career began with the lead role in the school’s production of Guys and Dolls in 2009. He graduated the following year.
Dame Kiri, who sang at the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, celebrated her 70th birthday during one of their Royal Opera House performances.
“Working at the opera house is amazing,” said James. “To think that each night I’m stepping on stage to perform in front of up to 3,000 people is crazy.”
“Dame Kiri has such an amazing voice and is so incredibly professional, it was an honour to be working alongside her,” he added.
James lived in Spain for seven years and is returning this week to watch the next crop of SIS stars in the musical ‘Back to the 80s’ at the theatre in San Roque.
He has thanked staff at the school for inspiring him to achieve his dream.
“Sam Reed my drama teacher and Kerry Wickersham, head of music, were wonderful and gave me the belief that I could be successful in this industry,” he said.
