St Nathy's students to stage debut musical

History is being made in St Nathy’s College in Ballaghaderreen as the Transition Year students of 2023/24 prepare to stage the school’s first ever musical production, '¡Mama Mia, Papa Mia!' from March 14 to 16. The production is spear-headed by the 70-strong Transition Year cohort with musical preparation fast becoming a centrepiece of the TY programme.

The whole school community has got behind the show, with students encouraged to not only to perform, but to become the masterminds behind every aspect of this production, making ‘the student voice’ loud and proud in St Nathy’s hallowed halls.

The finishing touches are being put to the impressive stage which was designed and built by the students themselves using as much recycled materials as possible and they have transformed the school hall into a vibrant ‘other world’ of music, dreams and dance.

The musical extravaganza '¡Mama Mia, Papa Mia!', which will have a three-night run at the school, is a completely in-house led production, under the guidance of director and script-writer, Peter McLoughlin, musical director Katie McHale and choreographer, Cora Duffy. The Transition Year group are ably assisted by the Second Year chorus line and First and Fifth Year choirs.

The story is a vibrant, high-energy production which follows the story of six friends, Laura, Tanya, Sarah, Mike, Tom and Bill. The action opens back in 1980 at the University College Galway graduation night before fast forwarding to the modern day. This show promises to be full of drama, dance and singalong favourites that are guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat and tapping your feet!

Principal Fr Martin Henry said: “It is the first time in the history of St Nathy’s that the school has produced a musical. While putting on a show of this standard is certainly a new challenge, it is one we felt was worthwhile to showcase the huge talent of our students. This year’s Transition Years are particularly creative and this production has certainly given them an opportunity to nurture and show off their talents, both on and off the stage. It has also really become a centrepiece of our Transition Year programme.” 

He continued: “A production like this does not just happen overnight, and at St. Nathy’s we are proud to have an original script and a show which is completely produced in-house from script to set design to costumes and promotions; the staff and students really work together to make this a fantastic opportunity – and a memorable cross-curricular learning curve – for our Transition Year students. We extend a warm invitation to all to come to our school and get a taste of a really fantastic musical production.” 

By attending this production, you will not just be enjoying a night out, you will also be supporting the young people of Ballaghaderreen and encouraging the growth of young talent at this very special debut musical – the first ever at St Nathy’s!

Seating is limited, so be sure to secure your tickets in advance. Tickets, €12 and €8 (concession) now available on Eventbrite and on the school website, www.stnathys.com.