‘Perfect’ event for 65th anniversary

‘Perfect’ event for 65th anniversary

19 March 2025

ST Patrick’s Choral Society members are busy rehearsing for their forthcoming production of The Sound of Music.

The family favourite about a nun who falls in love with an Austrian baron and his family hits the stage of the Downshire Hospital’s Great Hall at the end of the month.

There will be six performances, starting on Tuesday, March 25, and continuing through to the following Saturday when there will be matinee and evening shows.

The society is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year and it’s 60 years since the Oscar-winning film starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer was released to widespread acclaim.

Sara Kelly, who has come through the ranks of the society since her days as a junior member, plays the role of Maria, while Brian McElroy, a seasoned performer over many years, plays Baron Von Trapp.

Laoise Carney, who has graced the stage in many of the society’s productions, plays the role of Mother Abbess.

The society has gone from strength to strength in recent years, so much so that there will be two groups of Von Trapp children sharing the performances over the five-day run. There is also an extensive supporting cast.

The production team is headed by Gary Warnock, director, Wilson Shields, musical director, and Alex McFarlane, choreographer.

Marie Therese Ross, society chairperson, says everything is coming together and that all the cast members are looking forward to the opening night.

“We are rehearsing three to four times a week and we have a very enthusiastic ensemble,” she said.

“We are very fortunate in that we draw the bulk of our members from the local community and we have lots of new talent ready to perform.

She continued: “We are a cross-community organisation and our continued growth is dependent on a committed membership.

“We thought The Sound of Music would be perfect for our 65th anniversary year and we are very excited about performing in front of local audiences once again.

“It takes a great deal of time and effort to stage a production and we have a great team of people working behind the scenes.

“We are also extremely for the support of our sponsors and the local community who come to our shows in such big numbers.

“We are also grateful to Down Parish Church for allowing us the use of their hall for rehearsals.”

Tickets for The Sound of Music cost £12 for the opening night and £15 for the other performances. They are available from ticketsource.co.uk/st-patricks-choral-society.

The society will be hosting an Easter camp involving drama, singing and dancing for children and young people aged 8-18 from April 22-25. A summer workshop is also planned for early August.