Spectacular show celebrated 30 years of Spotlight Stage School
The opening routine at Spotlight Stage School's spectacular 30th anniversary show in The Big Top at Rathwood
THREE DECADES of extraordinary talent, lifelong friendships and wonderful memories was celebrated in The Big Top at Rathwood last week as Spotlight Stage School hosted its 30th anniversary show.
Time to
Celebrate – 30 years in the Spotlight saw students light up the stage over five days for seven memorising performances.
From adorable tiny tots to terrific teens, the energy, joy and enthusiasm the students displayed was not only incredible but infectious for all lucky enough to see the sell-out show. In fact, audiences were on their feet several times in absolute admiration of the sheer talent and professionalism of the Spotlight students.
Among the MCs during the run were presenter James Patrice, actor and performer Ryan Andrews and Spotlight’s drama teacher Judith Mullally, who all kept the energy and enthusiasm on a permanent high throughout the performances. The show included a stunning opening number of , making terrific use of the big background screens featuring a recording of students at Carlow town locations such as the Liberty Tree, Carlow Courthouse and Fairgreen Shopping Centre, before bursting into the Big Top to kick-start the live show with gusto.
Each class group – from three-year-old tots up to the 14-plus group –featured throughout the show’s run, having tirelessly worked on their own individual dance medleys and drama pieces to ensure they were pitch perfect for the live performances.
From pop medleys to music from various decades or legendary artists, the range of songs featured was staggering, all perfectly staged with terrific lighting and projections. There were lots of high-energy group performances, too, featuring mixed ages, including a fantastic ‘Crew’ routine that grabbed attention for the opening of the second half of the show.
A huge array of dance styles featured in the show, including three stunning lyrical pieces that not only showcased dance ability but conveyed real emotion and wonderful storytelling. Spotlight students also took on some of the best-loved musicals with beautiful singing, wonderful acting and, once again, fabulous choreography, bringing audiences right to the West End.
and were just some of the musicals featured, including one of the real highlights of the show, when student Ruby Maher was lifted into the air for her spine-tingling performance of .
The show ended with the rousing from bringing the Big Top to its feet after each of the seven performances.
On the final night, tributes were paid to Stuart O’Connor and Ciara Armstrong, who founded Spotlight Stage School in Carlow 30 years ago, with some wonderful memories of those early days recalled. Past pupils also paid tribute to the couple for the wonderful opportunities Spotlight has given them and the lifelong friendships. Indeed, a number of past pupils are now teachers at Spotlight, or support Spotlight during classes or for their various projects, including Ciaran Keating, David Doyle, Tracy Rea, Molly McLoughlin, Caoimhe Byrne and Caoimhe Martin. Many other past pupils have gone on to form careers in the industry or now have their own children on stage with Spotlight.
Huge thanks was also given to teachers Julie Reilly and Clare Ivory, who work so hard to bring out the very best in students and help them reach their potential.
