For the first two weekends of December, the intimate setting of The Village Arts Centre in Kilworth will play host to ‘The Christmas Present – A Santastic Story’ – a Christmas production the whole family will enjoy. From the pen of Kevin McCormack, this heart-warming and funny story is set in Santa HQ at The North Pole.
It’s Christmas Eve and not all is as it should be … in fact, not all is as it seems! Santa, Mrs Claus and Edwin the Elf need your help in ensuring that Santa can take to the skies to deliver gifts to the sleeping world below. This original one-act piece delivers all the cheer of Christmas whilst carrying a deliberate theme of kindness, understanding and friendship … all the things we most wish for at Christmas.
The talented cast of ‘The Christmas Present’ are no strangers to audiences both local and further afield.
The role of ‘Edwin the Elf’ – a nervous and mischievous soul – is originated by Killarney native Rory Ward. An educator by profession, Rory is best known locally for his musical and comedic prowess having treaded the boards with both Mitchelstown Musical Society – where he most recently played the role of the scheming ‘Plankton’ in SpongeBob the Musical, and Fermoy Musical Society with whom he most recently played the role of the forlorn ‘Dennis’ in their production of ‘All Shook Up’, directed by Valerie O’Leary.
The role of Mrs. Claus is in the capable and caring hands of the afore mentioned and incomparable Valerie O’Leary, a seasoned director, actress and singer of great renown. In her time to date as a performer, Valerie has filled roles both dramatic and comedic in theatres the length and breadth of Ireland. She has played leading roles in pantomimes and musicals at some of Ireland’s premiere venues including Cork Opera House, UCH Limerick and Dublin’s Olympia Theatre. Within the musical theatre genre, Valerie will be best known locally for her roles with Fermoy Musical Society, where over many years she established herself as a firm favourite with both audiences and fellow performers.
The role of Santa Claus is filled by Kevin McCormack, who, over the past several years has carved out a well-earned reputation as the personification of the big man in red. Kevin, who also wrote the script and original songs for ‘The Christmas Present’ is well established as both a performer and director. A veteran of pantomime both locally and at Cork Opera House, Kevin has also performed in plays and musicals all over Ireland; and has also acted on the big screen.
The performance element of ‘The Christmas Present’ runs for approximately forty-five minutes, after which audience members are invited to do a meet and greet with Santa, Mrs Claus, and Edwin the Elf and take a family photo on stage with them.
The performance dates of ‘The Christmas Present – A Santastic Story!’ at The Village Arts Centre, Kilworth are as follows: Saturday 6th, Sunday 7th, Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th of December with performances at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm on each date.
Tickets are selling fast for this intimate, unique event and are available exclusively through Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-christmas-present-a-santastic-story-tickets-1622722459559?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=
