Children sparkle during Christmas production in front of packed hall

Children sparkle during Christmas production in front of packed hall

20 December 2023

DORANS Academy of Speech and Drama held its Christmas show at The Lodge, Castlewellan, recently.

The children showcased their talents in front of a packed hall and raised £2,100 for the charity ‘Action For Children – The Ballymote Project’.

The charity provides services that offer families advice and support by running playgroup sessions designed to support parents in their care and development of their child.

The first performance was by the mesmerising Ragamuffins in ‘Snow and Sun’. The audience were taken on an enchanted journey full of song and dance, showing that with kindness, love and gratitude, we can all live in harmony.

The performances involved a rotation of young actors and actresses.

From 5pm to 6pm, the performers that took centre stage were Zoe Parker as Sun, H Moore as Snow Mum, Hollie Todd as Snow Aunt, Annie McCoy as Snow Granny, Mya Middleton as Snow Kid, Caomhan McGrillen as Child One, Genevieve O’Brien-Millard as Child Two, Lucy Curran as Child Three, and Lottie Smith as Child Four.

The audience were then wowed by Lottie Kiely as Sun, Ollie Cunningham as Snow Dad, Poppy Gillespie as Snow Granny, Conan Creaney as Snow Grandad, Katie Rafferty as Snow Kid, Aoife Creaney as Child 1, Saoirse Kelly as Child Two, Cliodhna Black as Child Three, Tierna Dickson as Child Four, Emmie Dickson as Child Five, and Lana Dickson as Child Six.

The audience then enjoyed a performance of Tom Sawyer (albeit abridged), from the young thespians, with the cast being made up of young people from the age 11 to 18. 

Each member of the cast took key roles in the direction of the production, from music staging, props costume and developing atmospheric acting.

The cast included Abbey McCarthy as Tom, Alex Garland as Huck, Jessie McNabb as Aunt Polly, Isla Venney as Sidney and Muff, Clodagh O’Neill as Becky, Hannah as Judge, Eris as Ben and Dr Robinson and Thomas Dorans as Joe.

Matthew Smyth filled in as Sidekick for Max Delaney, who had a surgery last week and was unable to perform. Michael Martin was Mr Dobbins. Newest recruit Matthew Smyth stage directed and played multiple atmospheric roles with tremendous effectiveness.

The final performance for the audience to enjoy was ‘Mrs Claus vs The Mafiosa Mammas.’

The audience enjoyed the tale of Mrs Claus and Santa’s elves working at their Chicago branch to ensure children got their presents, but the Mafiosa gangsters seek to thwart this operation. It is left to Mrs Claus to ensure that this does not happen.

The cast of ‘Mrs Claus vs The Mafiosa Mammas’ included Henry Preston as Godfather, Jai Graham, Flynn McAleavey, and Luke Curran as gangsters, Scarlett Donaghey and Sophie McGrath as police, Nancy Tilly and Roise-Leigh Miles as Mafiosa Mamas, Sophie Martin as the Mayor, Caragh Flaherty as Deputy Mayor, Orlaith Miller as Mrs Claus, and Clara Foley, Sarah Marner, and Laura Donaghey as Elves.

Dappled through the afternoon’s dramatic programme were a series of wonderful selection of performances of choral verse poetry with many individuals relishing the opportunity to grab the microphone, amplify their voices and shower the audience in merriment.

‘When Santa Got Stuck Up The Chimney’ was performed by the talented Maisie McConkey, Arthur Rooney, Nicola Lenaghan, Islay-Rose Shepherd, Ellie Lenaghan, Teagan Brannigan, Rosa Lambert, Lexi Jarvis and Eimile Cunningham.

‘I Keep my Snowman in the Freezer’, was enthusiastically performed by Alfie Surginor, Ellen Boden, Orlaith Miller, Tara Smyth, Chloe Ewing, Ryan Smyth, Caitlin McClune, Isaac Doonan and Ruby Black.

There were also superb individual character performances from Henry Preston, Naoimhin Nic Ruairi and Taobh Owens, as well as exceptional carol performances performed by Ava McCarthy, Saoirse Mason and Fiadh Mason. 

Finally, the thought-provoking ‘The Boy Who Laughed at Santa Claus’, by Ogden Nash was spectacularly performed by Matthew Smyth, Caoimhe Mackle, Lucy Riddle, Cara Mackle, Ciara McCoubrey and Jai Graham. 

Organiser Michelle Dorans said: “On a personal note i would like to extend huge thanks to so many. Massive, unreserved appreciation to all you who enabled our 15th annual charity show to be as magical an experience as possible,” Michelle said. 

Michelle paid tribute to the various organisations and businesses that made the event possible.

“Thank you to my family and extended family -Shiv, Tris & Orlaith Miller for their unswaying support with a myriad of tasks. 

“Thank you to the super talented Brigida Croskery for catching the magic of the day on camera. “To the awesome Claire McNabb for lending her time, patience and efficiency helping to make your entry and exit as smooth as possible. 

“To those who sponsored the raffle, your support is crucial and so very much appreciated – namely the CWC, Avoca Hotel, House of Middleton, Clue Rooms, Harts Pharmacy, Fresh Food Centre, Saint Patricks Centre, Cranfield Alpacas, Bert’s Bakes, Siobhan Miller, Tonn Ruray, Ireland’s Electrical, 

Kate Dornan, French’s Cafe & Bistro, Zebedees, Nikki Shepherd, Clough Pharmacy, Coco’s Playground and Little Os Pizzeria.

“To Katy Cunningham of Mourne Archery, Lidl and Nugelato for sponsoring the sponsorship prize, your support is so very much appreciated.”

She also thanked Eurospar Clough and Dromara and Drumgooland Credit Union for their support.