Recent Longford Variety Group show hailed as 'absolutely amazing'

Longford Variety Group’s “Here We Go Again!” was “absolutely amazing,” according to the chairperson, Charlie Murray.
The performances, which took place in Backstage Theatre from November 19 to November 22, was the first time in the history of the group to have been entirely sold out. This led to a buzzing set of nights, and a very successful Saturday matinée.

Including dance, a choir, excerpts from musicals and more, Longford Variety Group delivered plenty of entertainment. Charlie came to chat about how the overall event was throughout the course of the five days.

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“The highlight is the fact that we put on a sensory matinée. To see the joy in the kids’ faces was unbelievable. We were apprehensive as we’d never done it before. To see the joy in the kids is something we won’t forget. Show-wise, the Peelo School of Dance segments were outstanding. It’s a wonderful stage school for kids. It’d be unfair to pick things. In general, the standard this year–we came up a level in standard. The whole cast was just tremendous. Without the cast, we don’t have a show. We’re so appreciative that they come, join, and give it their own for three months for charity. The highlight is for charity,” listed Charlie.

Adding that the audience from the first night and closing nights were phenomenal, Charlie said that word is travelling about how entertaining these nights are by the Longford Variety Group. For those on stage for the first time, he commented on how amazing it was from them to receive the support of an audience.

With plans to do another Saturday matinée next time, to be family-oriented, Charlie added that those behind-the-scenes who work and plan are taking a small break. Where the performers dedicate three months, the team invests nearly ten months into making the shows possible. Nevertheless, there are ideas already being thought up for 2026.

As to who to thank for making “Here We Go Again” be a memorable experience for both cast and audience, Charlie listed who helped make it possible:

“We’d like to thank the cast for their dedication to Longford Variety Group,” he began. “We’d also like to thank our sponsors. Without them, it’s difficult to finance a show of its calibre.

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Without the business people of Longford and further afield, we thank each of them. We most definitely thank the people of Longford who stand by us year after year. Without the audience, there is no show. It’s a team effort. As we say, teamwork makes the dream work. It’s a process between the cast, sponsors and people.”

Since 1994, Charlie said that the group has raised over €300,000 towards local charities.