At Home on the Peninsula with Sophia
In her family home in Lower Riverside, Sophia Keaveney is working dilligently. Spread out in front of her is a laptop and an array of biology books. It's a scene that isn’t dissimilar to that of a quotidian 16-year old student. Yet, Sophia’s story is anything other than ordinary. A West-End leading-lady in-the-making, Sophia has appeared in the hit musical Matilda and has studied at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. She now attends the BRIT School, who count Adele and Leona Lewis among its alumnae.
Sophia modestly recalls her entry into the world of performing arts and describes her audition for a place at Italia Conti, Britain’s first Performing Arts Academy: “Everyone had really nice clothes on whereas my tights had big holes in, my shoes were worn out and my hair was scruffy. I had a cough and a cold and had to take painkillers before my audition too. I didn’t think I’d even be offered a place.”
Not only did she win a place, she was also offered one of Italia Conti’s coveted scholarships. “I was so shocked, but I think it was my competitive spirit. I think that’s helped me through my recent treatment too – I’ve always been determined, and I’ve always wanted to win.”
Sophia's promising career faced a set back when, during the run-up to her GCSEs in summer 2019, she began to suffer from headaches. Physicians initially diagnosed these as stress related, but the pain continued to worsen. Unable to stand the pain any longer, Sophia underwent a brain scan, which identified a malignant, cancerous brain tumour. Three emergency operations followed. Although she was unable to sit her final exam, she still achieved an impressive set of GCSE results. Now enrolled in post-16 studies at the BRIT School, Sophia hopes to eventually take A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths. “Studying acts as a distraction to everything that’s going on,” she admits, “It’s like climbing up a mountain; you keep on trudging up it. I like that sense of challenge.”
While still on the road to recovery, Sophia dials into lessons between chemotherapy sessions, with mixed results. “One day I could be feeling good, then the next I’m in the back of an ambulance with flashing blue lights,” she says, still insisting that her studies are a welcome addition to her day as long as she feels well enough.
Sophia was awarded for this impressive commitment to her education at the 2019 Global Youth Awards. Greenwich Peninsula has hosted the Global Youth Awards since its inception in 2017; living on the Peninsula, Sophia attended the ceremony in 2018, when it was hosted at The Jetty. Last year, she won the prize for Educational Leadership, in recognition of her incredible academic achievements in the face of adversity. Unfortunately, Sophia was too unwell to attend, but her father Patrick collected the trophy on Sophia’s behalf at the September 2019 event, which was held in Greenwich Peninsula’s venue, Magazine London.
“"Studying acts as a distraction to everything that’s going on. It’s like climbing up a mountain; you keep on trudging up it. I like that sense of challenge." – Sophia on why she continues to work hard despite undergoing intensive treatment”
It was a thoroughly worthy win. “We hope to empower the young people we work with to take responsibility for everything that happens to them,” says Tanith Harding, Head of International Projects at RoundTable Global, which stages the awards. “Sophia’s determination and sheer grit in the face of everything she’s going through embodies what we believe in.”
Sophia’s relatives concur. “She amazes me,” says her father, Patrick. “She could sit here feeling sorry for herself, but she doesn’t. She’s still working hard and looking to the future."
Indeed, Sophia is still considering her options post-recovery, including whether she wants to return to the stage. “I guess we’re not really sure,” she says. Sophia explains that while that her physical health has clearly been challenged, she admits that her mental health has been affected too.
“In some ways my life has changed for the better,” she says, rallying. For instance, RoundTable Global keeps in touch with each of its award winners, providing support and offering opportunities, helping each realise their potential. “I want to go to Cambridge University,” she says. “I’ve always wanted to go to Cambridge. Whenever we visit my grandparents, we drive past and stop off and have a walk around.”
“"I’ve always wanted to go to Cambridge. Whenever we visit my grandparents, we drive past and stop off and have a walk around." – Sophia on her dreams for the future”
So, what advice would Sophia give to someone who may be going through she has endured? “My cancer nurse told me that whenever I’m having a bad day [during treatment], I should remember how the cancer cells must be feeling,” she says.
She concludes by telling me that her favourite song to sing is James Brown’s 1966 hit, It's a Man's Man's Man's World. The challenging vocals must appeal to her, but it’s an ironic choice too. With her incredible talents, sparkling personality and strength of character, this world is Sophia’s for the taking.
