A ROCK SCHOOL STORY TAKING TO THE STAGE IN FERMOY
It was with great dismay that our perennial theatrical collaboration between Loreto and St Colman’s was affected by Covid-19, resulting in not being able to stage a musical since 2019.
However, since October, our drama departments in Loreto Secondary School and St Colman’s College have been working tirelessly in anticipation of a school musical being staged once again and we are finally in a position to announce that Loreto and St Colman’s will be reigniting the stage in February with an upbeat, high-intensity musical entitled ‘Battle of the Bands … a rock school story’.
The story follows the journey of a rejected rock band member who is forced to become a substitute teacher in an effort to raise money for a ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition. What he discovers during his work is that his young students are talented musicians and they decide to start a class band; what follows is a journey filled with hilarity, musicality and friendship.
Loreto and St Colman’s have had a hugely successful partnership over the years with productions such as High School Musical, Take a Chance on Us, Malone, and most recently, Grease is the Word. These performances not only provide great enjoyment for the huge crowds that attend but enrich the young lives of the cast and crew for years afterwards.
There will be three evening performances on Thursday 3rd, Friday 4th and Saturday 5th, February. Each show will begin at 7pm. Tickets went on sale on Wednesday, January 26 and can be purchased from Loreto Secondary School, St Colman’s College and Read Learn Play, Fermoy.
The annual school musical is a fantastic showcase of talent and brings together many of the themes of Transition Year; it gives a wonderful opportunity for personal growth and nurtures talents such as public speaking and musical theatre. Being part of such a dynamic ensemble promotes a sense of autonomy and responsibility which will stand the students in great stead as they begin senior cycle next year.
As well as treading the boards, Transition Year has also allowed students to gain valuable work experience which can be pivotal in helping them to make informed decisions around subject choice and career paths. In addition, the Year is allowing students time to learn something new and develop a new skill; which an often be in the realm of sport, music, science or entrepreneurship.
The combination of many enriching experiences throughout the year helps to build confidence and friendships which in turn supports our students as they mature into responsible young adults.
The year, so far, has included bonding days in Glenabo Woods, Ballyhaas Activity Centre and Ice-skating at Fota. There has also been a wide variety of interactive workshops including health and wellbeing, forensics, poetry, creative writing, film-making, Zumba, Bollywood dance classes, First Aid training and pottery. With Covid restrictions permitting, the end of year activity is the eagerly anticipated camping trip to Kerry.
For now, the musical is centre stage and we wish the cast and crew from Loreto and St Colman’s the best for their performances and hope their energy and enthusiasm is rewarded by a packed house each evening. Break a leg!