Teenager with Down’s syndrome makes dream film debut

A young aspiring actress with Down’s syndrome has achieved her “lifelong dream” by appearing in her first movie.

Claudia Beatty, from Broughshane, County Antrim, appeared in King Frankie, which was released in cinemas last month.

The 18-year-old’s mum, Cheryl Beatty, welcomed opportunities that give children like her daughter a chance to “meet their full potential and be involved”.

The movie tells the redemption story of taxi driver, Frankie Burke, following the death of his father.

Grainne Rafferty, Claudia’s character, creates a heart-warming and close bond with Frankie as he drives her about.

Being the first to hear Claudia got the role, proud mum Cheryl passed the news on to her daughter.

Claudia said she felt “happy and relieved” to be cast.

Since then, from being on set to attending movie premieres, she has taken it all in her stride.

Cheryl praised the film’s staff and actors for being “absolutely amazing and so inclusive”.

While Claudia shared how kind everyone was, she said she particularly enjoyed the chocolate treats that the director, Dermot Malone, brought her.

Claudia said her favourite scene in the film is the end when her character hugs Frankie, played by Peter Coonan.

“The reason why this is my favourite is because Frankie really needs the hug,” she said.

“He was really upset abut his father so I gave him a hug to show him that I cared for him.”

Since filming, Claudia has attended the premiere and film festivals.

“I love taking pictures on the red carpet and I love to see me on the big screen,” she said.

“I feel like a celebrity because I have never been on the big screen before, it is the first time and I am just excited.”

It “hit home” for Cheryl when she saw her daughter walk the red carpet.

“We are all very proud of her achievement, it has been great just to watch her over the past year and watching the journey of the film,” she said.

Cheryl said her daughter “always absolutely loved singing and dancing”, since she started ballet and tap dancing.

Finding that she enjoyed being on stage, Claudia wanted take on acting as well.

She joined Starburst Theatre School in Antrim, but mum Cheryl was worried at the start.

“I was a bit apprehensive thinking: ‘Will she be included in any of the productions?'”

However, Claudia thrived and was a part of all the show’s put on by the school.

“They were the ones that put her forward for this role and she got the part… so she has surpassed her expectations and met her full potential,” Cheryl said.

“I also think in today’s society there is a more general feeling of inclusivity for children like Claudia.”

She added: “A really important message to drive home is that special needs, it doesn’t define Claudia, it’s not who she is, it is just an additional feature.

“She can achieve just as much as anybody else.”

Giving advice to others, Claudia said: “Follow your dream, follow your heart and where it leads.”