Ballinrobe Musical Society to stage modern Disney classic
Pictured at the 2025 AIMS awards at the Gleneagle INEC in Killarney are Ballinrobe Musical Society members, front row, from left: Sarah Corcoran, AIMS nominee for Best Female Singer (Gilbert) and Ballinrobe Musical Society Chairman, Richard Crumlish, with the nomination for Best Chorus for the society's production of 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'. Second row: Patrick Mulchrone, Aoife Kilcullen, Oisín McGovern, Eimear McGovern, Emma Loscher, Erika Flynn and Emma Daly. Third row: Eimear Philbin, Anne McGovern, Joanne Heskin, Evelyn Lydon, Thérèse Morley and Maria Hobson. Fourth row: Tom Carney, Paul Singleton, Úna Loughran, Lorna Dennehy, Kenneth McCarthy, Sheena Gannon, Maria Gallagher, John O'Shea, Enda Mulchrone and John Morley. Picture: Darragh Carroll Photography
One of Disney’s most popular modern works will come to the west of Ireland when Ballinrobe Musical Society stage on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
Featuring hit songs like , and , brings us to the snowy, northern kingdom of Arendelle, where we are introduced to Elsa, a princess with magical powers to create snow and ice, and her sister Anna. When Elsa’s powers inadvertently plunge the kingdom of Arendelle into eternal winter, Anna sets out to find her sister and save the day.
As well as the much-loved Princess Elsa, features an array of beloved characters such as Olaf the snowman, Sven the reindeer, and other friendly protagonists like Kristoff and Anna.
Since being released on film in 2013, has been seen by tens of millions of people, grossing over $1.2 billion worldwide and generating hundreds of millions of dollars in merchandise sales.
Five years later, a professionally produced musical based on the film hit Broadway. Since then, it has become a global phenomenon, with productions in multiple countries and languages.
Featuring songs from the film and 12 newly-written songs with music and lyrics from Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, has won numerous awards, including three Tony nominations for Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical.
Ballinrobe Musical Society will be the first amateur musical society in the west of Ireland to stage - which became available to amateur societies after successful runs on Broadway and London’s West End.
The society were due to stage , a show based on the life of Michael Collins, written by the late Bryan Flynn.
“It was with great regret that we were unable to stage ,” said Oisín McGovern, PRO of Ballinrobe Musical Society. “However, we are absolutely thrilled to be bringing to the west of Ireland. We have been blown away by the reaction from the public since we announced this show and cannot wait to start rehearsals again.”
The production team for Ballinrobe Musical Society’s production of are Alan Greaney (director), Shane Farrell (musical director), Aoife McClafferty (choreographer) and Kenneth McCarthy (stage manager).
Their latest production marks both a departure and a return for Ballinrobe Musical Society following their highly successful staging of the Disney-inspired , in February 2025, which saw the society nominated for Best Chorus and Best Female Singer (Sarah Corcoran) at this year’s AIMS awards.
“There is something particularly magical about Disney-inspired musicals. We saw that first-hand when we did , so we are incredibly excited to be bringing Disney back to Ballinrobe with ,” said Aoife McClafferty, Ballinrobe Musical Society’s choreographer since 2007. “Visually, musically and story-wise, is a stunning piece of musical theatre. We think adults and children of all ages are going to absolutely love this show. If you enjoyed , then you are certainly going to enjoy .
“‘ is a breath-taking experience - a swirl of music, colour, and emotion that awakens every sense. Ballinrobe Musical Society will bring it to life with heart, magic, and community spirit, reminding us all why theatre feels like home.
“In a world of snow and shimmering ice, Ballinrobe Musical Society proves that true magic comes from courage, love, and community,” she added.
Ballinrobe Musical Society will be hosting auditions for on Sunday, January 11, in Ballinrobe Parish Centre.
The show will take place in Ballinrobe Community School from Easter Sunday, April 5, to Saturday, April 11, 2026.
Those interested in auditioning for a principal role in the show can do so via the booking form available on Ballinrobe Musical Society’s Instagram and Facebook pages or by emailing ballinrobemusicsociety@gmail.com. Those interested in being in the chorus for the show may also apply via this booking form. Auditions will not be required for the chorus.
