Wednesday 5 October 2022 04:57 PM Alisha Weir's rise from obscurity after 'unforgettable audition' led to her ... trends now
It was just another day at the office for Dame Emma Thompson on Wednesday afternoon as the red carpet was unfurled on behalf of her latest film, a screen adaptation of Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical.
But while Thompson's acting pedigree is well-established, less is known about her young co-star in the forthcoming film - although one suspects that is about to change.
Born on September 26, 2009 and raised in the Knocklyon area of Dublin, Alisha Weir has been plucked from relative obscurity to play the 'brilliant' Matilda Wormwood, a schoolgirl with a vivid imagination who dares to take a stand and turn her wildest dreams into a reality.
It could almost be art imitating life for the young Irish actress, who won the coveted role when she was an 11-year old drama student with little professional experience to speak of.
Special moment: Young actress Alisha Weir made the first significant red carpet appearance of her career at the photocall and press conference for new film Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical, in which she plays the titular lead, on Wednesday
Now aged 13 and on the verge of a major promotional campaign with an A-list group of actors, Weir appears to be completing a remarkable leap from independent features to international stardom.
Before stepping into Matilda's tiny shoes, the young actress and singer had previously appeared on Ireland's The Late Late Toy Show, in which she performed a rendition of Cyndi Lauper's True Colours, and Once the musical at Dublin's Olympia Theatre.
She has also featured in the 2018 independent thriller Don't Leave Home, playing Siobhan Callahan, and Irish TV drama Darklands.
There has also been a brief appearance on mainstream TV, with the young performer featuring in a rendition of Trip The Light Fantastic on Dancing With The Stars Ireland.
Career defining role: Born on September 26, 2009 and raised in the Knocklyon area of Dublin, Alisha Weir has been plucked from relative obscurity to play the 'brilliant' Matilda Wormwood, a schoolgirl with a vivid imagination who dares to take a stand and turn her wildest dreams into a reality
Pleased: Following her casting alongside Dame Emma Thompson and former Bond actress Lashana Lynch in 2021, the young star's drama teacher Johnny Ward - a successful actor best known for his role in Irish soap opera Fair City - tweeted his delight
Following her casting alongside Thompson and former Bond actress Lashana Lynch in 2021, the young star's drama teacher Johnny Ward - a successful actor best known for his role in Irish soap opera Fair City - tweeted his delight.
He told followers: 'MASSIVE NEWS!! Absolutely over the moon to finally announce that my Drama Student Alisha Weir has landed the
