Dear Reader –
If you’re here for early access to Theme Night #30 tickets, scroll down to the What’s New Section for more. Oh and the theme is announced there too…
First though, some reflections on Theme Night #29.
All hyperlinks in bold.
The Big Thing
What a week we all had! Thanks to all the musicians, performers, crew, theatre staff and (especially) audiences who made the big return everything we had hoped it would be.
We recorded our In The Lamplight review podcast last night with special guest (and Golden Jacket winner) Niamh Crowley and anyone looking for an in-depth review of what we all thought about the shows will find it there when it comes out tomorrow morning (Wednesday).
However there are a few things I’d like to mention today.
Firstly my favourite moment of the run. It happened on Friday night, when in the middle of one song early enough in the show I heard the clatter of a drumstick hitting the floor. By the time I looked around to see what had happened, there was Tonto (percussionist) already handing Steve (drummer) his stick so he wouldn’t miss a beat. An example of the teamwork and camaraderie that exists between these two crucial members of our band, and indeed within our group as a whole.
I love what Sarah Crummy does - and she did it again. It was so good to have her back.
Big shoutout to Collette Sheerin, Emmanuel McCormack, Georgie Gorman and Tabby Callaghan. All of whom were supposed to be performing with us but couldn’t make it in the end for various reasons. We missed you all.
Most of all it was inspiring to be working once again with a team of great people who were committed to upping our collective game. It reminded me of my best days as a footballer - that feeling of wanting to ensure you do your job to the best of your ability because you don’t want to let down everyone else who you know is doing the same.
Where else but Sligo?
Regular readers of this letter will know how big a part our Monday gig in Connolly’s played in my week.
So there was some natural sadness and disappointment when we were informed last Tuesday that it would no longer be happening.
However we had some great times there over the last eight years. I’d like to thank Paul O’Donnell and his staff for giving us the opportunity and looking after us so well in Connolly’s and Furey’s over that time. Also the many musicians who played with us - we had some incredible moments. And to all who came in to see us, especially the regular heads, thanks for helping make these gigs so special.
I feel very lucky having got to play with this man (below) every week for that length of time. And while I’m sure it’s not the end for us, this picture sums up how I feel about all the great times and wonderful music we have got to share so far. Thanks to Joy Feehily for capturing it.
What’s New?
THEME NIGHT #30 ANNOUNCEMENT: So - the show will take place on 6-8 October 2022 in the Hawk’s Well Theatre. And the theme is…….…yes it’s time folks………Musicals!
In our own special theme night way.
TICKETS: Tickets go on sale today (10th May) at 11am. Online or on the phone - 071-9161518.
TEENAGE THEME NIGHT #26: Coming this Saturday and Sunday! Here are Senna and Freya - two of the stars of the show - strutting their stuff in Theme Night #29 last weekend. Tickets available here.
Finally…
Here’s one of the standout performances from last week’s show. It got a prolonged standing ovation each night and was on everyone’s list of highlights. Liudmila Ropiak and our Theme Night Choir with the Ukrainian song Oy U Luzi Chervona Kalyna.
Till next time - Kieran.
