Many of the Broadway or Hollywood stars will say that they started out on their local stage, basking in the limelight for the first time at their own school musical and judging by the talent in Scoil Pól, Kilfinane, there are certainly some stars in the making.
‘Back to the 80s’ is Scoil Pol’s eight production and is a must see for any theatre fans, as many of these young singers and actors are bright young stars waiting for their chance to shine on the world stage. Staged in Scoil Pól’s school hall, the show will run for 4 nights – Thursday 28th, Friday 29th, Saturday, 30th November and Sunday, 1st December – with curtain up at 8pm.
‘Back to the 80s’ is a nostalgic musical that transports audiences to the vibrant decade of the 1980s, filled with iconic pop culture, fashion and music. The story revolves around a high school senior, Corey Palmer, who navigates the ups and downs of teenage life, including love, friendship and the challenges of growing up.
FRAMEWORK
The cast features Transition Year students. The casting process began in May and practice began straight away for the chorus, dancers and lead actors.
The high levels of dedication and commitment is evident by the attendance and work rate throughout, with rehearsals taking place after school and at weekends. Rehearsals of acting and dance routines were held each Thursday and Friday under the expert tutelage of choreographers Ms Niamh Masterson, Ms Orla Shiel, Ms Moya Downey and Ms Anna Leonard. Musical director Ms Edel Hayes leads all aspects of the production along with co-musical director Mr Paul O’Riordan.
Local businesses were fulsome in their support of the venture and the school would like to take this opportunity to thank all the businesses who have supported this year’s production. The show itself would not have been possible without the support of these businesses.
GREAT TALENT
While going up on stage and singing can be daunting, the students are taking it in their stride, guaranteeing audiences a great nights entertainment. There are many new faces to watch out for in ‘Back to the 80s’ including Billy O’Sullivan, Amy McCarthy, Ellie O’Brien, Padraig Irwin and Mikey Hennessy who will wow audiences with their voices.
The show has now become not only the highlight of the year for the school, but is fast becoming another musical that the people of Kilfinane and surrounding areas will be flocking to see, with amazing plans already in motion for the 2025/2026 show.
MEET THE CAST
AMY McCARTHY
Amy McCarthy from Ardpatrick plays cool girl Tiffany Houston. She is one of the girls that ‘Just Wanna Have Fun’ and is totally oblivious to the deep-seated love her friend, Corey Palmer has for her.
Amy has loved the experience of taking part in the musical especially singing lessons with Mrs Hayes and dancing with Ms Masterson.
She hopes you all enjoy the show.
BILLY O’SULLIVAN
Billy O’Sullivan from Ardpatrick plays Corey Palmer junior. He is the hero of the musical and the story is largely based on his life and the events surrounding him during the 1980s.
He is a very likeable and ordinary character who is trying to navigate the trials and tribulations of teenage life.
Billy has loved playing Corey Junior with his favourite part being running lines with Mrs Hayes and Mr O’Riordan.
MIKEY HENNESSY
Mikey Hennessy from Effin plays Fergal McFerrin, the school nerd! Fergal is supremely intelligent and his ideas for the new millennium are often laughed at in the show.
Mikey’s favourite part of playing his character is that he can make a total fool of himself!
ELLIE O’BRIEN
Ellie O’Brien from Kilfinane is playing the street smart cool girl, Cyndi Gibson. Cyndi is a ‘Material Girl’ and Tiffany’s best friend. She is popular and straight talking character who is guaranteed to make the audience laugh!
Ellie has really enjoyed the musical and her favourite dances are ‘Hey Mickey’ and ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’.
JESSIE WALSH
Jessie Walsh from Kilfinane plays new girl Kim Easton and twin sister of Mel. Kim loves partying and cheerleading and immediately becomes friends with the popular girl group.
Jessie has enjoyed playing this character and her favourite song to sing is “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”.
SEAN FLANAGAN
Sean Flanagan from Kilfinane plays deputy principal and Maths teacher, Mr Stevie Cocker. Mr Cocker has blooming romance with Ms. Brannigan but unexpected events tear them apart!
Sean’s favourite part of the musical has been dancing and singing with his friends.
EMILY O’BYRNE
Emily O’Byrne from Bulgaden plays teacher and Senior Students Co-Ordinator, Ms Sheena Brannigan. She seems very reserved and friendly but she has a secret that sends her relationship with Mr Cocker into peril.
Emily loved doing the dances and songs and can’t wait to perform for you all.
ALLY O’DONOGHUE
Ally O’Donoghue from Charleville plays cool girl Mel Easton. Mel can burst into song at any opportunity and with her twin sister Kim they are experts at harmonising.
Ally has loved all the singing and dancing and her favourite dance is ‘Hey Mickey’.
PADRAIG IRWIN
Padraig Irwin from Martinstown plays cool guy Michael Feldman. The girls fall at his feet as he is a suave character but they don’t see his other side! Padraig has loved taking part in this years musical and hopes everyone enjoys the show.
