Portrait of Leila Webster, the singer, actress and comedienne from South Belfast.
This profile of Webster begins with a nostalgic look back to childhood, the star reminiscing as she walks the streets of her youth and says hello to her old neighbours. However, her start in life was not entirely idyllic, poor health taking its toll. Eventually, though, Webster overcame this childhood illness, her parents setting her on the road to stardom by providing her with a piano and singing lessons. Soon, she was performing in local venues, such as the May Street Church, these performances bringing her to the attention of the Bangor Operatic Society and he Empire Theatre.
Whilst performing at the Empire, Webster developed her comedic craft, in roles written specially for her by the playwright, Sam Cree. She starred in productions of 'Married Bliss' and 'Don't Tell the Wife', taking the female lead in the latter. Despite her success, Webster suffered from agoraphobia. Whilst her performances onstage were not impacted by the affliction, her capacity to undertake everyday tasks was affected.
Away from the cultural sphere, Webster made significant contributions to Northern Irish society as a volunteer, working several days every week, for over thirty years at Knockbraken Health Care Park. In 1996 she received an MBE for her charity work.