Classic tale brought to life

3 January 2024

OVER three nights, the hall of St Patrick’s Grammar School was filled with enchantment and wonder as students brought to life the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast in a spectacular school production.

The performances did not disappoint, delivering an unforgettable experience that left the audiences captivated from the start, culminating with a standing ovation each night.

Directed by Siobhan O’Toole, the production showcased the incredible talent and dedication of the young Red High performers.

From the stunning set designs by Garrett Cullen, Clare McConville and Laura McClean, that transported audiences to a magical French village, to the elaborate costumes that added a touch of grandeur, every detail was meticulously crafted, contributing to the overall charm of the show.

At the heart of the production were the actors who breathed life into beloved characters.

The portrayal of Belle by Emma Deegan was nothing short of exceptional. Her powerful vocals and graceful stage presence brought depth and emotion to the character, capturing Belle’s intelligence, kindness, and unwavering spirit.

Aaron McElroy, in the role of the Beast, delivered a performance that tugged at the heartstrings. His transformation from a fearsome creature to a gentle soul was portrayed with finesse, drawing empathy and applause from the audience.

Among the supporting cast the arrogant Gaston was wonderfully played by Conaire Laverty and his comedic side kick, LeFou, was portrayed by the talented Luke Morris.

Oisin Kennedy (Maurice), Sean Rafferty (Monsieur D’Arque) and the enchanting household objects; Emily Hanvey (Mrs Potts), Brendan Morgan (Lumiere), Shea McGrath (Cogsworth), Niall Murnin (Chip), Grace Smyth (Babette) and Noirin McArdle (Madame de La Grande Bouche) played their roles with gusto, adding

layers of humour and warmth to the wonderful production.

The Silly Girls lived up to their titles spectacularly and the Chorus added the wow factor to the big musical numbers where the synchronised choreography was a visual treat, showcasing the dedication and hard work put in by the entire cast, band and crew.

The musical arrangements and live orchestra directed by Celeste McEvoy provided a captivating back, elevating the performance to a whole new level. The familiar tunes had the audience humming and tapping along and added an extra layer of magic to the already mesmerising experience.

Overall, St Patrick’s Grammar School’s production of Beauty and the Beast was a triumph – a testament to the talent, creativity, and teamwork of the students and staff involved. The production transported attendees to a world where love conquers all, leaving them with a renewed sense of wonder and a lingering appreciation for the arts. Comments on social media described the show as “absolutely amazing” with “fantastic performances” and “worthy of the West End”.

School principal Joe McCann applauded the unwavering commitment of everybody involved in the 90th anniversary production and marvelled at the talent on display, addressing specifically the range in ages of the students involved, the wonderful friendships that had been formed, the unforgettable memories they would take with them and the fact that many students were treading the boards for their first time.

For those who missed this enchanting spectacle, it’s safe to say they missed out on a truly magical evening that will be fondly remembered by all fortunate enough to witness it.

Tweets by @TheDownRecorder