A PORTAFERRY woman will trade the classroom for the stage when she takes up her latest role at the Grand Opera House.
Classroom assistant Naomi Smyth is preparing to step onto the stage of the Grand Opera House next month when she takes on the role of Sarah Brown in Belfast Operatic Company’s upcoming production of Guys and Dolls.
The 28 year-old who now lives in Millisle with her six year-old son, supports children with special educational needs (SEN) by day, but by night she steps into the world of musical theatre.
She said: “It feels great to be part of a community who do this for the love of it.
“Rehearsals are something I genuinely look forward to, it’s a chance to switch off and be part of something creative.”
Naomi has become a familiar face on the Belfast Operatic Company stage in recent years, taking on a series of demanding and memorable roles. Most recently, she captivated audiences as Fantine in the company’s landmark 2025 production of Les Misérables. Before that, she showcased her versatility as Carlotta in The Phantom of the Opera and Esmeralda in The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Each role has brought its own challenges, but Sarah Brown offers something entirely different.
“People sometimes think Sarah is a bit plain or reserved,” Naomi explained. “But actually, her story is about discovering that there’s more to her, learning to let go a little and see the world differently.”
She added: “I love that she’s strong, intelligent and not afraid to stand her ground, but also willing to grow. There’s a real journey there.”
That journey plays out most vividly in moments like the vibrant Havana sequence and the iconic song If I Were a Bell, where Sarah sheds her inhibitions and embraces a freer, more spontaneous side of herself.
“You really see her let loose,” Naomi said. “It’s such a shift in energy and it’s great fun to play.”
The role also represents a significant change in tone for Naomi personally. After the emotional intensity of Les Misérables, where she portrayed the tragic Fantine, stepping into the lighter, more playful world of Guys and Dolls has been a refreshing experience.
“Les Mis is such a powerful, emotional story,” Naomi said. “But Guys and Dolls is colourful, fast-paced and full of humour. It’s nice to be challenged in a completely different way.”
For Naomi, performing at the Grand Opera House remains as special as ever.
“Every time I step onto that stage, it takes me back to being a child watching shows there,” she continued. “You feel like a kid again, but this time, you’re part of it.”
It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply, particularly for performers who grew up locally and now find themselves centre stage in one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic venues.
“Being part of something like this is a real privilege. The level of talent we have here is incredible,” Naomi said. Naomi is keen to challenge any lingering perceptions about amateur theatre.
She said: “There are still people who think ‘amateur’ means small scale. But when you’re performing at the Grand Opera House, with a full orchestra, a huge cast and incredible production values, there’s nothing small about it.”
From supporting roles to leading performances, from the heartbreak of Fantine to the optimism of Sarah Brown, Naomi has continued to grow as a performer, all while balancing the demands of her professional life.
“Aside from working as an SEN classroom assistant, I also perform professionally across Ireland, that can be singing as Taylor NI, as part of The Dynamos or even as a princess – two days are truly never the same and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
And while the roles may change, the core motivation remains the same. She said: “It’s about bringing joy to people. Whether that’s through a big emotional moment or a fun, upbeat number, you want audiences to leave feeling something.”
Talking about her upcoming performance, Naomi added: “It’s fun, it’s vibrant and it’s full of life. It’s something completely different and I think audiences are going to love it.”
As the curtain prepares to rise this May, Naomi Smyth will take her place on the Grand Opera House stage, not just as Sarah Brown, but as a performer whose journey began in the audience and has come full circle in the spotlight.
Tickets can be booked at www.goh.co.uk.
