Nazareth House Primary School in Londonderry is staging its annual musical this week, after months of disruption caused by structural damage to the school's roof.

The 122-year-old building was closed from December 2025 until February when an inspection found the roof to be unsafe. During the closure, around 200 pupils and staff were relocated to St Anne's Primary School while urgent remedial works were carried out.

Repairs have since made the building safe for use, though the upper floor remains out of action. That area previously housed a music room, toilets, and classrooms including a breakout space for pupils with special educational needs. Next year, the school community will move again to temporary facilities at Lumen Christi College on Bishop Street.

Rehearsals for the production of Oliver Junior, based on Charles Dickens' novel Oliver Twist, were halted during the closure, but staff and pupils adapted by finding new ways to prepare.

Principal Róisín Blackery said the school community refused to let the disruption stop the show. She said the effort reflected the determination of pupils, staff, and families who worked together to ensure the performance could take place.

Former principal Paul O'Hea, who appears in the production, said the children's talent and resilience were inspiring, and that he believed audiences would be impressed.

Among the cast, Rebecca, who plays the Artful Dodger, described the experience as fun, pointing to the dances and singing. Fiachra, appearing as a policeman, said he enjoyed the chance to act alongside his classmates. Others expressed relief at being back in their own school after the upheaval.