A FORMER Fivemiletown College student who has secured a top spot in a West End musical says he owes it all to his classmate bullies.

Twenty-eight-year-old professional performer, Mark Williamson has landed the role of swing in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

“It is possibly the most difficult of jobs as I learn and cover 15 of the ensemble,” he says.

“I had five different rounds as part of the audition process.

“The first round is dance where they teach you three separate routines and make a cut after each routine, then singing calls and more dance rounds are held to decide if you’re suitable.

“Thankfully I was!

“I’m always nervous during an audition, you want to get the job. But over the years you become accustomed to the process, the heartbreak and the joy.

“I got a phone call from my agent on a Tuesday morning telling me the great news, I can’t begin to put into words how grateful and lucky I feel! But all the hard work and knock backs have paid off -- it sounds cheesy but dreams can come true!” Mark’s contract with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is running in the West End until June 2016.

Growing up as a performer in a heavily prominent farming community was a challenging experience for Mark.

“Unfortunately I was bullied quite badly,” he explains.

“Luckily I had a strong group of friends who defended me when necessary.

“When you’re that age, to be taunted and picked on for being different can be quite daunting. “But it gets better and I look back and thank them for how they treated me. The strength and determination I have now is likely due to their negativity. And to any other young people reading this who are in a similar mind set know that it gets better and there is a whole world out there full of people who will love you for you, interests aside.” He pays tribute to his teachers, the “wonderful Mrs Magill and Mrs Hull” who first noticed his talent and pushed him extensively into the arts.

“The first time I was ever in something was the tender age of four playing a dog in my primary school concert. I think I always wanted to be an actor. From a very young age all I wanted to do was perform, I was always happiest and most comfortable when I was on stage, “I obtained a full scholarship to The Arts Educational Schools London (Chiswick) which voted by OFSTED is the best musical theatre college in Europe.

“They audition around 3,000 applicants in which 50 are succesful.

“I started dancing at the age of seven with my uncle, and joined local amateur dramatics like the Enniskillen Light Operatic Society to absorb and learn as much as I could.

“As I got older I moved further afield to advance my training in which I ended up at The Arts Educational schools graduating in 2010.” He pays special tribute to the support he has received over the years from his parents.

“Without all their love and support I would never be were I am today!” he says.

“They are my rocks and blessed to have such wonderful and inspirational people in my life.”