Mary Byrne revels in new role at 'Grease'

SINGER MARY Byrne spoke of her excitement yesterday after making her acting debut in Dublin’s Grand Canal Theatre.

SINGER MARY Byrne spoke of her excitement yesterday after making her acting debut in Dublin’s Grand Canal Theatre.

The X Factorstar plays the role of Teen Angel in the American musical Grease, which held its official opening last night.

Byrne said her theatre debut was “very exciting” and she was “overwhelmed” by the reception from the audience. “ I just loved it, it’s a great buzz and a beautiful theatre,” she said.

Byrne had never acted before playing this part. “Well, I’ve probably been acting all my life but I’ve never had to get out on stage and act,” she said.

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Byrne’s part as minor character Teen Angel involved “only a small bit of acting” but it was “hard” and she wanted to “get it right” and “not sound like a dork”.

Another former reality television contestant is sharing the stage with Byrne. Danny Bayne won ITV's Grease is the Wordin 2007. He stars opposite Carina Gillespie as Sandy, who also played in the role in the West End.

Genevieve Carbery

Genevieve Carbery

Genevieve Carbery is Deputy Head of Audience at The Irish Times