Schoolkids’ theatre shows left audiences spellbound

RATHANNA Community Hall buzzed with excitement recently as Blackstairs Children’s Theatre showcased two enchanting productions of The Pied Piper of Hamelin and The Sad Queen.

Under the direction of award-winning Irish playwright and poet Darren Donohue, the junior class, aged six to eight years, and the senior class, aged nine to 12, delivered performances that left audiences spellbound.

The hall was filled to capacity on both nights, illustrating the community’s support and enthusiasm for local talent.

The Pied Piper of Hamelin cast included: Narrator, Breanna Campion; Rat 1, Molly Delaney; Rat 2, Sadhbh Dunne; Rat 3, Sadbh Clerkin; Rat 4, Emilia O’Toole; Mayor, Fallon Donohue; Secretary, Cara Curtin; Policewoman, Lily Curtin; Pied Piper, Maryann Grennan; Hypnotist Student, Olivia Kealy; Psychologist/Teacher, Isla Breen; Town Crier/Builder, Isabella O’Shea; Madwoman/Shopkeeper, Doireann Scallan; Townsperson/Builder, Sarah Doran; Townsperson/Student, Anna Bolger; and Townsperson-Student, Evie Kennedy.

The Sad Queen cast included: Narrator, Ruby Walsh Hynes; Queen, Kara Rose Whitford; Lisa, Ellen Murphy; Mother, Leah Smithers; Baby Bobby, Mia Carroll Alley; Sally/Poet, Emma Doyle; John/Singer, Sarah Griffin Roslan; Fred, Ellie Nolan; Doorman/Criminal, Saoirse Clerkin; Maeve/Landlord, Caoimhe Clerkin; Guard 1/Gill/Mary, Grace Brennan; Guard 2, Isabella Kciuk Jordan; Aide/Concertina, Amelia Kavanagh; Nora/Concertina, Teegan O’Shaughnessy; and Tin Whistle, Kate Banks.

Blackstairs Children’s Theatre runs drama classes every Monday evening at 5pm to 5.40pm for ages six to eight years and 5.50pm to 6.30pm for ages nine to 12 years in Rathanna Community Hall from September to May. Students participate in a variety of drama games, exercises and techniques while working towards their end-of-year theatre performance, under the guidance of Darren Donohue.

More information is available on Facebook – Blackstairs Children’s Theatre.