Audiences wowed by Longford Variety Group's spectacular 'This Is Me' production

Heralding the start of the Christmas season is Longford Variety Group's annual show. This year the perennial entertainment favourite presented a spectacular entitled “This Is Me” much to audience acclaim.

The boundless talent of Longford performers were on show over the four nights of the run. Featuring acts from The Greatest Showman, MJ the Musical, Tina Turner the Musical, Dirty Dancing, Footloose, Jersey Boys and Fiddler on the Roof the show is a feast of local talent.

Audiences were treated to special performances by the students of Stonepark National School Choir and Peelo School of Dance. This year's co-directors are Charlie Murray and Kevin Hussey.

Charlie was overwhelmed by the public reaction to the show: “We're so happy, we have a hardcore of loyal supporters. These are people who come every year, and never let us down. This year extended our run to four shows. On the opening night in particular, we saw plenty of new faces in the hall.”
The audience are very much a part of the Longford Variety Group's presentation: “People come every year to support us, but naturally people also want to support the charities. That's what it's all about. I have to extend a big, big thank you to the people of Longford and County Longford, indeed, who come and support us.

“It had a real feel-good factor. The people of Longford are great for audience participation, the singing and clapping along. They make the people on stage feel it's all worthwhile.

The shows are renowned for the depth of talent they present: “This year we have a really big cast. They ranged from the youngest who was 11 years old, up to, well, we won't mention Tony's age,” he laughed, “there is a great range to the cast. From senior members who have been there for years, to a whole new crop who have come in to join us.”

Mounting such a production takes months of meticulous planning: “We started out in February, sitting down and going through, maybe 100 scenes on paper. We then narrow that down to keep it to an hour or just over for each half. It's difficult because there is just such a high standard of performance.
“It takes six months of preparation and a good working committee behind you to get where we get. It isn't just turning up at Backstage and everything clicks. There's a huge amount of work going on behind the scenes.”

Choreographer Penny Barry's routines, described as moving pieces of art, perfectly complemented a musical programme of the highest standard. John Kelly presided over the comedy section of the show and it featured some star turns by well known names. The set design was by Gerry Killian and Emma Reid.

Charlie said there were many contributors to the success of this year's show: “I also have to mention the Peelo School of Dance, Trina Mulryan, and Chloe Brady. We couldn't have done without them, and all their senior students who came and joined the show this year.

The dancers from Ciara Bransfield's Irish dance school were amazing. They were two world champions and they gave a great show.”

Charlies says preparations for the next variety show have already commenced: “We never stop looking for the next act. We pride ourselves within the group that we give everybody an opportunity. It doesn't matter if you're a novice or you've been on the stage for 25 years.

“We give everyone a chance to get up on that stage. We're always looking for people to come along.”
For over two and a half decades the group raised well over a quarter of a million euros for local charities.
This year all proceeds are going to Longford Hospice Homecare, St Christopher’s Special School, St Joseph's National School, Melview National school and other local charities.
The show ran from Wednesday, November 27 to Saturday, November 30.

Read next: https://www.longfordleader.ie/news/local-news/1673536/great-christmas-selection-in-longford-theatre.html