TalentedArklowsistersto sharetheBordGáisstage

TWO talented Arklow sisters are sharing the same stage as the musical stage version of Roddy Doyle hit ‘ The Commitments’ comes to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.

Amy (28) and Leah Penston (23) have been cast in the roles of Natalie and Imelda for a two week Irish run from October 12 - 29 before embarking on a seven month UK tour.

The sisters who are well known in their home town and on the nationwide musical theatre circuit for their acting and singing abilities, are thrilled to have been cast in the same show directed by Cjay Raynor with the support of Roddy Doyle himself.

‘It’s been absolutely amazing. Getting to work with Leah is a dream come true. Especially as it came as such a pleasant surprise! Leah was already booked for a world tour with a cruise ship company but put that on hold to join the cast as Imelda Quirke,’ says Amy. Amy has been involved in the West End production of the show for the past 18 months and is delighted to be invited back in the role of Natalie. Following that she was cast in a Rock n’Roll musical in Theatre Clwyd in Wales. She took just a short break three months ago to tie the knot with her long time partner Sean Hendley who is also involved in musical theatre.

Life has been just as busy for Leah who won the overall music award this year at Arklow Music Festival, received an AIMS Best Actress Award for her portrayal of Eva Peron with Avonmore MS, was cast as Imelda ad was nominated for a Chamber of Commerce Young Achiever award.

Amy and Leah are very much looking forward to bringing the show to Dublin and will be cheered on throughout by their mum Naoimh who has many a musical award to her own credit and runs the successful Penston Vocal Academy.

The girls will join with Christina Tedders who plays Bernie as the ‘Commitmentette’ trio of female backing singers from the original novel which was later made into a movie.

‘We’ve instantly clicked and she’s an incredible actress and singer. It’s humbling to be working with such gifted actors/ singers/performers as Brian Gilligan and Andrew Linnie, playing Deco ‘ the soul man’ Cuff and the infamous Jimmy Rabbite respectively. Myself and Leah have known Andrew and Brian for years at home in Ireland and to get to work with each other again on stage is fantastic. I really think we’ve brought the best of the film and the best of the original book of the Commitments to create the dynamic stage musical,’ adds Amy.