St Leo’s TY students take on Matilda
4E in costume during rehearsals for Matilda and the Revolting Children
EXCITEMENT is building in St Leo’s College, Carlow as rehearsals for the school’s highly anticipated production of are in full swing.
Musical director Carrie McCarthy, choral director Mary Kavanagh, director and choreographer Roisín Currid and the entire transition year student group have dedicated countless hours to bring this beloved story to life, with rehearsals taking place since early January.
Two casts are working on the production so that every student gets a fair chance of being involved, whether their interest lies in being on stage or as part of the crew.
The scenery and costumes for the production are really taking shape, with teacher Lauren Connors and her set-design team working tirelessly to create a visual feast that will transport audiences into the magical world of Matilda.
Laura Dowling has expertly curated costumes for each member of the cast, but great thanks is also due to musical co-ordinators Veronica Doyle and Angela Kirwan, and Noel Thompson, set and props. With all this hard work, dedication and creativity, things are really taking shape.
Ms McCarthy said: “With each rehearsal, the excitement continues to grow and we cannot wait to share this magical journey with our school community and beyond. is a story of hope, courage and lightness and the importance of coming together. We need those messages all the time, but sometimes we need those messages more than ever."
The show revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher Miss Honey.
During her first term at school, the two forge a bond as Miss Honey begins to recognise and appreciate Matilda’s extraordinary personality.
Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, is a joyous girl-power production. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.
The production is taking place at Visual, Carlow from 2-4 April, with performances for other schools in the area during the day and for the public in the evening.
Meadhbh Peters Lynam, who’s playing Ms Trunchbell, said: “I am thoroughly enjoying the last few months, and as the rehearsals intensify, the whole production is gathering momentum and I can’t wait for it to be staged in Visual.”
Holly Amond, who plays the Escapologist, commented: “The show is fun and my role is very emotional, yet comforting. I work with Ali, who plays the acrobat, and we have become firm friends as we rehearsed together over the last few months. The whole experience is very professional and is so well choreographed by Roisín Currid.”
Sara Nolan, who plays Miss Honey, agreed: “I have really enjoyed taking on the role of Miss Honey, it’s really brought me out of myself, and I’m not as shy. I loved making new friends and going to rehearsals each week.”
Emma Pender, who is a dancer in the show, thinks that the musical is a great opportunity to get to know girls who she hadn’t previously known in school: “I feel it’s a great chance to get to know people you wouldn’t ordinarily know, and this is nice for us before we begin the senior cycle … it’s good to be part of a team and to work together in a shared project.”
Please look out in the coming week for the release of tickets to attend this spectacular show at www.visualcarlow.ie as seats are selling out fast.
