The Show Must Go On: Laughter and Generosity Abound in Kildare’s Moat Theatre
As the curtains drew to a close on the two-night run of "Dubs" in the Moat Theatre, the audience wasn’t the only one beaming with delight. The talented teens of Theatrics Teen Ensemble had not only dazzled the crowd with their performances but had also raised a whopping €1,800 for the worthy charity, Tiglin. And, as is the Irish way, they did it all with a healthy dose of craic and good humor.
At the helm of this theatrical triumph is the indefatigable Mary Power Cooney, founder and artistic director of Theatrics. With a twinkle in her eye and a song in her heart, Mary has been bringing the magic of theatre to the good people of Kildare for years. Her dedication to nurturing young talent and giving back to the community is a testament to the power of the arts to transform and uplift.
As the cast and crew of "Dubs" gathered on stage for a well-deserved photo opportunity, it was clear that this was a group of young people who had not only honed their craft but had also developed a strong sense of camaraderie and purpose. With 17 members in total, the ensemble had worked tirelessly to bring this production to life, and their hard work had paid off in spades.
But, as Mary Power Cooney was quick to point out, the real winners here were the folk at Tiglin, who would be benefiting from the generous donation of €1,800. As she handed over the cheque to Alex Newcomb, the team at Tiglin were no doubt doing a little jig of their own, knowing that this windfall would go a long way in supporting their vital work.
For those who may not be familiar with Tiglin, this fantastic organization provides a range of services and support to individuals and families in need. From rehabilitation programs to educational initiatives, Tiglin is all about empowering people to reach their full potential and live fulfilling lives. And, with the help of Theatrics and their talented Teen Ensemble, they’ll be able to do just that.
As we chatted with Mary Power Cooney about the success of "Dubs" and the generous donation to Tiglin, it was clear that this was a woman on a mission. "Theatre has the power to transform and uplift," she said, her eyes shining with passion. "But it’s not just about the performances themselves – it’s about the impact we can have on our community. By supporting charities like Tiglin, we’re helping to make a real difference in people’s lives."
And, as the good people of Kildare will attest, Theatrics is all about making a difference. With a range of productions and programs aimed at showcasing local talent and promoting the arts, this vibrant organization is the beating heart of the community. Whether it’s a hilarious comedy, a poignant drama, or a foot-stomping musical, Theatrics always brings a sense of joy and wonder to the stage.
So, the next time you’re thinking of a night out in Kildare, be sure to check out what’s on at the Moat Theatre. With Theatrics at the helm, you can be guaranteed a fantastic show, a warm welcome, and the knowledge that you’re supporting a worthy cause. And, who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of the talented Teen Ensemble in action – after all, these young thespians are sure to be the stars of the future.
As the curtain falls on another successful production, Theatrics and the Moat Theatre are already looking to the future. With a range of exciting projects in the pipeline, including workshops, classes, and of course, more fantastic productions, there’s never been a better time to get involved. Whether you’re a seasoned thespian or just looking for a new hobby, Theatrics is the perfect place to meet like-minded people, learn new skills, and have the craic.
And, as Mary Power Cooney would be the first to tell you, it’s all about the camaraderie and the sense of community that comes with being part of Theatrics. "We’re not just a theatre company," she says with a smile. "We’re a family. And, as any Irish person will tell you, family is everything."
So, to Mary Power Cooney, the talented Teen Ensemble, and the team at the Moat Theatre, we say thank you. Thank you for bringing a little bit of magic into our lives, for supporting worthy causes, and for reminding us all of the power of theatre to transform and uplift. Here’s to the next production – may it be the best one yet! Sláinte!
