SAOIRSE’S SHOWSTOPPERS!
GOREY LITTLE THEATRE hosted the annual Saoirse on Stage production which brought a large crowd along to enjoy the sold out variety show.
Always incorporating a social message, this year’s show had a theme of social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities, and looked in particular at how people use mobile phones instead of communicating through personal interaction.
MC on the night was Jim Donohoe, and coordinator and director Tara Ann Byrne said that the audience reacted very well to the social message.
‘The response was powerful, it all went down so well. Afterwards the audience gave feedback which was very helpful, as they spoke about the programme overall and not just the show itself.
‘We had a rap song about mental health and it got a lot of appreciation, it really was catchy too. Social awareness was a huge part of the show.
‘Our comedy sketch had the audience laughing out loud but the proudest moment was when our service user Clodagh who is non verbal, who would have been terrified to go on stage one year ago, came out and sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow. There were tears all around the theatre hall, as really an angel’s voice came from her.
‘She has a beautiful soprano voice, and she sang the whole song and knew every word which was a huge feat. Her parents and family were just thrilled and it was a big moment,’ said Tara Ann.
With a lot of hard work and preparation put in for this year’s show, all at Saoirse on Stage are looking forward again to next year’s show.
‘We are already thinking about what to do next year, such as themes and ideas but we can’t wait to start again back in January,’ said Tara Ann.
All at Saoirse on Stage would like to thank Gorey Little Theatre for all the help, as well as Pat Kinsella on sound, Eddie O’Brien on lighting and volunteers who helped with hair and make-up.
Finally, the service users would like to say a huge thank you to the audience for all the support.