Kilbeggan Players set for charity Christmas concert
As the chill of December takes hold, the festive feeling is starting to kick in, but for Kilbeggan Players Drama Society things are hotting up.
The group are in the throes of putting the finishing touches to a special production, their Christmas concert at St James’s Hall on December 21, a show filled with festive music and seasonal cheer.
“I'm involved in the Kilbeggan Players Drama Group in the town. Last year we returned to the stage with our first production in over 30 years. I was the director of that,” Seoidín Rochford explained.
That revival was well received, and now the group hope to build on it: “I wanted to take an initiative with the Players to do more than just a play during the year, but to engage with the wider arts locally. I proposed the idea that we do a concert throughout the year. James McHugh, who is also a member of the Kilbeggan Players, suggested some kind of fundraiser for a charity,” she told the Examiner about the forthcoming extravaganza.
The group settled on the idea of hosting a Christmas charity concert in aid of St Vincent de Paul's North East and Midlands branch.
“So far we have around 12 acts performing,” Seoidín said. “It's in two parts. It's a variety of music productions, with performers of all ages. It's a family show. There will be something that appeals to adults and children.”
The show will feature a concert choir, soloists and a number of musical soloists: “I run a drama class. Many of the pupils from our drama school will be performing in the show. The format allows for different types of performances,” she said.
Seoidín says there is a lot of interest in the show: “Although there hasn't been drama in Kilbeggan for over 30 years, music has always been a recurring feature.
“There are lots of different gigs and sessions, but there hasn't been a Christmas concert like this in a long time. People are saying that it's a great idea and the fact it is in aid of charity has boosted that interest.”
The Kilbeggan Players Drama Society Christmas Concert in aid of St Vincent de Paul's North East and Midlands branch will be staged in St James’s Hall, Kilbeggan on December 21. Tickets are €10.