Originally produced by the Theatre back in 2016, script-writer Declan Askin and production designer Paul Dunning found themselves back with pen and lens in hand, editing and fine tuning the show to a smooth 65min piece ready for online broadcast which has been filmed and edited by Callaghan Productions. Similarly, musicians Des Cafferkey and Bartholomew de Boer got busy re-familiarising themselves with their own musical compositions with Bartholomew also taking responsibility for ensuring the sound quality of the recorded music will be pitch perfect, thanks to his work and support at Clew Bay Recording Studio out at the Quay! A new addition to the musical line up is bodhran and fiddle player Joe McNulty, who is well established amongst the traditional Irish Music scene in recent years.
With restrictions limiting the original dancers Liam Scanlon, Ela Kohen-Murray, Aaron Glancy, Ryan Owens and Liam Taylor from performing in the new show – Bernadine Cresham-Ball and Louise Cresham of The Cresham Academy of Dance took the reins for the choreography. The ladies worked tirelessly over two weeks (mostly via Zoom!) with four of their dancers Ciara-May Ball, Hannah Carty, Tim Carty and Adam McCluskey and what they have produced as a team for the show is nothing short of outstanding – a wonderful collaboration of traditional Irish dance with a clever twist of contemporary literally spun into the mix.
The show of course is very apt for the day that’s in it - St Patrick’s Day, and Westport Town Hall is proud to have been given the opportunity by Mayo.ie to showcase just a fraction of the amazing talent that we have in our community. It would not have been possible to cover the costs of performers, sound and videography without the support of our local councillors Peter Flynn, Christy Hyland, Brendan Mulroy and John O’Malley who have been key to the Town Hall staying afloat through their GMA allocation. With all these elements in place, “Patrick” will return to the virtual Westport Theatre stage for a very special St Patrick’s Day performance in association with Mayo.ie on Wednesday, March 17th at 7.30pm via
www.westporttheatre.com and www.mayo.ie. This unique show promises to entertain and enlighten the audience
through music, dance, song and cinematic imagery to tell the story of Ireland’s Patron Saint - Patrick.
