Budding Maltese artist has first scent of success

Sarah Harrison, 15, is shedding her child-like image and maturing into a confident performing artist who is slowly getting a scent of success.

Malta's first contestant at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2003, Ms Harrison has landed several opportunities in the two years since she won a coveted place at the Sylvia Young Theatre School in London.

One memorable event happened a few days ago when she joined international pop stars such as Charlotte Church, Emma B, Rachel Stevens and Liberty X, to perform at a mega party held in Oxford Street.

The famous shopping street was closed to traffic for the first time for this event, which was aimed at attracting shoppers back to the area after the July bombings.

The Sylvia Young Theatre School organised a Cabaret MegaMix; a 20-minute medley of the most popular musicals and Ms Harrison was chosen to sing and dance a five-minute piece from the musical South Pacific.

"It was a mammoth crowd and the nicest thing was when people started singing along to the lyrics. It felt amazing and surreal to be chatting backstage with such big stars as Charlotte Church," she gushed over the phone, in between classes.

Ms Harrison has also landed a small part in the latest film in the series Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, as a student in the Huffle Puff House. The film is expected to be released later this year but for now she is keeping mum on the details.

Despite such unforgettable experiences, Ms Harrison admits that it has not been easy.

"I am lucky to have achieved my dream to take part in performing arts from a young age but it's been a tough experience and there have been more downs than ups. I also get homesick and miss my father and my friends. Life in Malta is very different," said Ms Harrison, who lives in London with her mother.

She is very aware that nothing comes without sacrifices and she does appreciate how lucky she has been. She has two years left at the Sylvia Young Theatre School and hopes that many similar opportunities will come her way.

"I have been blessed with a gift to perform and I'm lucky to have been able to build on it and bring it to life. Being here has been an incredible learning experience."