Class act - Derry schoolboy lands place at top performing arts college in London

By Marianne Flood Reporter

A talented Derry student has won a place at one of the most prestigious music and dance performing arts colleges in London.

Thorin Coffey, who is in Year 14 at St Joseph’s Boys School, has been accepted at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire Of Music and Dance to study BA Honours in Musical Theatre.

Graeme Doherty, a teacher at St Joseph’s Boys' School, congratulated Thorin on his success.

“This is a fantastic achievement and very few get selected,” he said.

“It is great to see Thorin’s talent and hard work being recognised.”

The 18-year-old is currently studying for an A-level in Music at St Joseph’s and he is also completing an A-level in dance at St Cecilia’s.

Thorin first fell in love with musical theatre as a P4 pupil at Chapel Road PS where he won the role of Fagin in the school show.

This was followed by a role in the Londonderry Musical Society’s (LMS) productions of Oliver and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

Recognising his early promise, his teacher, Michelle McLaughlin, took him under her wing and gave him singing lessons.

Thorin recently starred as the lead role of Chad in a LMS production of ‘All Shook Up’ at the Millennium Forum.

He also holds a distinction in Grade 8 Classical singing and Grade 8 in Musical Theatre and spent last summer living in Dublin where he played Thénardier in a youth production of Les Misérables.

Caption: Thorin Coffey pictured above with Mrs Ross, Head of Sixth Form.