Group marks 20 years with launch of ‘9 to 5’

WITH 20 years of entertainment under their belts it was a double celebration for Rathangan Variety group recently as they celebrated its anniversary and officially launched its latest production ‘9 to 5’.

Starting out from humble beginnings back in 1998, the group was formed simply as a means of showcasing the wealth of talent that existed in the local area. Over the years it has grown and three of the founding committee members - Rose Walsh, Caroline Howlett and Siobhan Murphy are still the driving forces behind it.

‘We’re totally community based,’ chairperson Rose Walsh said. ‘Our first production was Oliver and it almost completely consisted of kids. Over the years we’ve managed to get adults involved and for this production we have a cast of 28.’

‘The local talent has always been there,’ she continued. ‘There would have been the tops groups around Rathangan and Cleariestown before with tremendous talent on show. It’s a real community project. We have husbands and wives and mothers and daughters taking part and the people who are up on the stage are also the ones helping out with the sets and costumes.’

Having reached the landmark of 20 years, the group are keen to make ‘9 to 5’ one of its best productions yet. Work has been ongoing since September under director Alan Corcoran, musical director Fintan Cleary and choreographer Emma Molloy. The show will be staged in Rathangan Hall from February 20 to 23 at 8 p.m. nightly. Tickets are available by calling 087 0909541.

The cast with Cllr George Lawlor, who launched the show, and director Alan Corcoran.

Founding members Mary Whelan, Rena Power, Rose Walsh, Siobhan Murphy, Caroline Howlett and Mona Whelan

Ciara McEvoy, Jenny Kehoe and Annmarie Stafford.

Maria Cullen, Bernie Leahy and Cllr George Lawlor.

Tori Keane, Michaela Walsh, Grace McGuire and Brónagh Howlett.

Carrie, May and Zoe Walsh.

Molly Benson, Sinead Cullen and Daragh Schokman.

Caitlin Scallan and Victoria Gazeley.