Gareth ready to take Top Hat to the Island Theatre stage

Gareth ready to take Top Hat to the Island Theatre stage

11 March 2020

A LOCAL man will be putting on the style when he takes to the stage at the Island Theatre in Lisburn next week. 

Gareth McGreevy is following in the footsteps of movie legend Fred Astaire by taking the lead role in St Agnes’ Choral Society’s production of Top Hat, which opens on Tuesday, March 24.

A past pupil of St Patrick’s Grammar School in Downpatrick, the 31 year-old, who is from Teconnaught but now lives in Carryduff, is no stranger to the stage.

He has been performing since the age of five and has a string of credits to his name.

He is probably best known locally for his involvement with the Downpatrick-based St Patrick’s Choral Society and Saul GAC’s All-Ireland winning ballad group.

He is the current chairman of St Agnes’ Choral Society and has worked tirelessly with the cast to help bring Top Hat to the stage.

He said: “It’s the cast that makes a show and this cast has put in a lot of hard work, blood and sweat to get this production ready for opening night. 

“I’m really enjoying the great sense of unity and excitement among the members of the cast. It’s the passion that drives and motivates us from opening night to when the curtain falls on the last night’s performance.

“It’s makes for a lively stage set. I draw a lot of energy from how the audience reacts to the music and dancing.”

Gareth, who played the lead role in St Agnes’ Choral Society’s award-winning production of 42nd Street in the Grand Opera House last year — it was named best show in 2019 by the Association of Irish Musical Societies – says this latest production is his favourite show of all. 

“Top Hat has enthralled generations of theatre goers and movie lovers with its music, eloquent tap dancing routines and costume designs,” he remarked.

“Featuring classic tunes such as Cheek to Cheek, Let’s Face the Music and Dance and the signature song, Top Hat, White Tie and Tails, the show is a real feast for the eyes.”

Gareth says he gets his musical talent from his grandmother, Esther McCormack, from Ballycran, and that singing acts like therapy for him. 

He said: “In the first half of this show alone we perform six songs. It is a very demanding role but it clearly agrees with me. I find singing and dancing are great for relieving stress.”

Laura Kerr, director of the show, said: “We are excited to be coming to the Island Hall for this six-show run of Top Hat. I know the audience will absolutely fall in love with the whole experience.

“The mistaken identity storyline is hilarious, the songs are fantastic and the whole company is working tirelessly to give 150% on dance numbers that honestly belong on a West End stage.”

Top Hat will run at the Island Hall, Lisburn from next Tuesday until the following Saturday. All tickets are priced at £22 and can be purchased through the Island Arts Centre Box Office, or by calling 028 9250 9254.

There will be the opportunity to make a donation to Belfast City Hospital’s Renal Unit Fund at all performances.