Young actors take to the stage for Summer Showcase event

Young actors take to the stage for Summer Showcase event

18 June 2025

THE Lodge in Castlewellan was the venue on Sunday evening for the Dorans Academy of Speech and Drama’s annual Summer Showcase Spectacular.

The event offered an unforgettable celebration of creativity, hard work, and dazzling young talent of young people aged from the years to almost 18.

From the moment the curtain rose, it was clear this would be no ordinary evening. The showcase, built on months of preparation, featured a whirlwind of performances brimming with confidence, expression, and sheer joy.

Behind the scenes, the effort and dedication poured in by children and their supporters had culminated in an afternoon that truly sparkled.

The showcase opened with the Ragamuffins’ lively take on Rapunzel. Their performance was a playful and energetic retelling, full of fairy-tale twists and cheeky surprises.

With secret agents reporting back hilariously and a grumpy witch guarding Rapunzel’s magical locks, the young performers transformed the stage into a vibrant fairytale world. The prince’s dramatic charm, the magical bargain gone awry, and the unexpectedly helpful apple kept the audience laughing and gasping in equal measure.

Two casts shared the spotlight across the 5–6pm and 6–7pm performances, featuring stand-out roles from Eva Burns and Poppy Gillespie as Rapunzel, Genevieve O’Brien-Millard and Conor Foley as the dashing princes, Mya Middleton and Annie Morgan as the sickly wife and William Herron and Charlie Morgan as the dedicated yet beleaguered husband, as well as from Evi Cross, Katie Rafferty, Ruby Black and Niamh Cunningham.

There were several memorable and spirited secret agents who had the crowd in stitches, namely Lottie Smith, Annie Burns, Tierna Dickson, Peter McClune and Colm McGlew.

Wizard of Oz

Next came the Scallywags, who tackled The Wizard of Oz with fearless flair and boundless energy.

Ensuring she got her due time in the limelight, to appropriately showcase her glittering gown and not keep the audience in anticipation too long,  Glinda shoehorned herself centre stage from the off, as was her right following the raging success of Wicked. 

Doroth, played by Caitlin McClune and Orlaith Miller, was swept into the land of Oz by a tornado and embarked on a whirlwind journey down the Yellow Brick Road. Along the way, she was joined by two bumbling Scarecrows (Rosie Leigh Miles and James Miles), a clanking Tin Man (Laura Donaghy), and a lovable Cowardly Lion (Sophie McGrath).

She was warmly welcomed by adorable leader of the Munchkins (Sophie Trainor) and the Good Witch of the North (Saoirse Kelly).

The performance brimmed with humour and heart, with a two-headed wizard (Taobh Owens and Naomhin Nic Ruairi) adding a delightfully unpredictable twist

 The thoroughly intimidating Wicked Witch of the West (Clara Foley) and her truly terrified, mostly biddable, Winkie (Sophie Trainor) and monkey minion (Saoirse Kelly) brewed mischief until a well-timed, petulant bucket of water brought the evil Witch’s plans to a soggy end. As Dorothy clicked her heels and returned home, the audience erupted into applause.

Little Women

Then came the bold and beautiful retelling of Little Women, as Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March (Jessie McNabb, Ciara McCoubrey, Orlaith Miller & Caragh Flaherty) went on to the stage with ambition, heartache and a flair for the dramatic.

The performance was packed with memorable moments—from burnt manus and rejected proposals to surprising romances and unexpected fortunes.

The cast captured every nuance of Louisa May Alcott’s classic tale, with the girls navigating love, loss, and sisterhood, while wise Marmee and stern Aunt March (both played by Lucy Roddy) offered guidance, solicited or not.

The love interests made their presence felt throughout with Laurie (Flynn McAleavy) and Bhaer( Jai Graham) adding wonderful helpings of mischief, intrigue and charm. The audience laughed, gasped, and perhaps shed a few tears as the March sisters forged their path with determination and grace.

Choral

The evening also showcased a delightful selection of choral verse and original pieces.

Max McClements, Colm McGlew, Ross Johnston, Roksana Butene, Rosa Lambert, and Lexi Jervis shone in Spring Cleaning and More, while Settle Your Kettle by Daniel Thompson, performed by Caitlin McClune, Chloe Ewing, Isaac Donnan, Isla Shepherd, Ryan Smyth, and Tara Smyth, brought laughter and clever wit.

The Mafia Cats had the crowd roaring with their feline antics, with stand-out performances from Caoimhe Mackle, Zara Middleton, Jai Graham, Alix Middleton, Cara Mackle Katherine Napier, Ava McCarthy and Orlaith Miller. There were also solo performances from Caoimhe, Cara and Nathan Tate, further demonstrated the extraordinary talent cultivated by Dorans Academy.

Thanks

The showcase wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering dedication of countless individuals. Organiser Michelle Dorans offered heartfelt thanks to every young performer – whether seasoned stars or brave first-timers – for their courage, growth, and unforgettable stage presence.

Special recognition went to Shiv and Tris for their support, Brigida Croskery for capturing every magical moment on camera and Claire McNabb and Corinna McClune for managing logistics and green-room energy with superhero-level skill.

The show also celebrated the generosity of local businesses, including Little O’s Castlewellan, Fresh Food Centre, Hillyard House, Millers Arts Store, Cv Hair Design, Mount Panther, Cranfield Alpacas, Mourne Archery, Barbican Newcastle, St Patrick Centre, Thumbelina Toy Shop, and Irelands Appliance Centre.

Michelle also thanked the parents for their behind-the-scenes heroism, in helloing with rehearsing lines, crafting costumes and cheering on from the sidelines.

As the curtain finally fell, the audience was left inspired by the talent, heart and community spirit on display.

For information about Dorans Academy of Speech and Drama go to www.DoransAcademy.com.