New group Voices of Longford encourages new members to join

Brian Murray and John Kelly have been working on Voices of Longford, which is encouraging people to join to help do a show in February, 2026. Wanting to get the word out there for interested people, this group is starting from scratch, with proceeds going to St Christopher’s School and to Longford Hospice Homecare.

Brian has been part of various groups, such as John Player Tops. He went on to choreograph shows for St Mel’s Musical Society, and did that up until 2005. By that stage, Brian had done so many years with them, being a dance captain on several productions, and decided that he wanted to give something back. After his grandmother went into St Luke’s Hospital, Brian acknowledged how cared for she was, as well as the commuting families. The hospital wanted to fund cottages for families to be with loved ones during treatment at minimal cost.

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Brian made touch with all of his close friends within St Mel’s Musical Society and outer circles; from then he was introduced to Longford Variety Group.

“So, I moved on to direct shows for Longford Variety Group up until 2 years ago. Lots of funds were raised over that time.
“In February, we had our first meeting where we came across a name called Voices of Longford, which would then be the name that we chose to go ahead with our maiden show that will take place in Backstage Theatre in February, 2026. I’m back as director and chairperson. John Kelly is back as comedy director. I’m not going to give away the show title yet as it is early days. We’re still working on various bits.”

John Kelly has been a long-time member of St Mel’s Musical Society. He received the nomination for Best Supporting Actor in the Gilbert category for his superb performance in the role of Horace Vandergelder in ‘Hello Dolly’. He has received many other nominations for his roles in the drama circles.

John also has a long association with the local Backstage Theatre Group, appearing in many of their productions over the years, and part of the annual Longford Variety Group shows and now with the new group Voices of Longford.

“From hereon in, there will be a meet and greet night for members to get the chance to meet the production team and have a chat. It will be all systems go when they start their rehearsals for their show in mid October.”

Read more: Voices of Longford makes final call for singers for 'Ladies Ensemble Vocal Workshop'

The first ladies' ensemble took place in the Sylvia Dawson Hall on September 1.

To join, contact the Voices of Longford Facebook or Brian Murray directly.