Longford's St Mel’s Musical Society present ‘Legally Blonde’

With the final touches being added to the St Mel’s Musical Society production of ‘Legally Blonde’ much focus is going on the leading lady.
Aishling Farrell will call on all her performing prowess as she takes on the challenging role of Elle Woods
Aishling has been a student of Evolution Stage School, which provided the fertile ground where her passion for music and performance blossomed.
As part of the preparation for the show Aishling is getting to know her co-stars, and one particular cast member has definitely won her heart.

“Bruiser is a little sweetheart,” she says of the chihuahua that joins her on stage, “He was at rehearsals this week. He's like a little teddy bear, so cute. He's really very small and he has his little pink jumper, just like me.”
Her eight years with Evolution means the Ardagh lady is certainly no stranger to the stage, performing in many shows including The Snowman in the Bord Gais Theatre. Evolution has been a huge part of her life and with 'Legally Blond' she shares the stage with many of her friends.

This is her first outing with St Mel's Musical Society, one that pitches her straight into the lead role: “I wasn't expecting it to be honest, I couldn't believe it,” she said of the opportunity, “I was very shocked.”
“I was in England last year and I came home to see Footloose. It was so good, and I just wanted to be a part of the show because all my friends were in it. I said I would love to be involved this year and I went for it.”
Her exact location in England last year was Chichester, where she is studying Songwriting and Cabaret Performance. That education has been a tremendous benefit to her preparation for the starring role of Elle Woods.

“The days we're all putting in are intense. There is so much work and effort involved. The hours that consume our lives. It's basically just the musical at the moment. But Vince, Alan, and Niamh are doing an amazing job with all of us.”Anyone familiar with St Mel's Musical Society productions will know the level of professionalism. It's no surprise that it starts at rehearsal: “We rehearse three to four times a week at this point.”

Though experienced at stagecraft Aishling's role sees her knitting various skills at an intensity she hasn't had to deliver before this: “It's about joining them all into one. It's having to act, sing and dance all at the one time. It's something that I haven't really done before. Acting is very new to me.”

The young performer may be uncovering new skills, but she is also honing well developed ones. She won the Christmas FM National song competition with her dear friend Maeve Newton with their song ‘This Christmas’ in 2016.
Aishling was also part of the Eurovision Song Choice Competition on the Late Late Show with KMuni and ND in 2023.
She released a charity single in 2020 with her best friend Leia Victory, who plays Serena in ‘Legally Blonde’, and the song was called ‘Sanctuary’ in honour of Cian’s Kennels.

Having studied dramatic arts at University of Chichester ‘Legally Blonde’ may present a new career route for Aishling: “I don't know. I have to see what the future holds for me.I do like singing and songwriting. Music is definitely my passion. But being on stage doing musicals, I get such a thrill out of it. It's very enjoyable. Especially when I get to do it with my friends.”
The young performer describes the process so far as “an amazing journey” thanks to the support of the cast, crew, her family and friends throughout the rehearsals for ‘Legally Blonde’.

Tickets are selling really fast for the show, running from Tuesday next April 2 to Saturday April 6 to include a matinee performance on the closing day. Immediate booking is advised. Tickets are available at gr8events.ie