Cast announced for this Tipperary musical society's performance of Big Fish

Following auditions held for the major roles in Thurles Musical Society’s upcoming Big Fish, the Society has announced the parts with a mix of familiar and new names amongst the line-up.

Director Oliver Hurley and Musical Director Mary Rose McNally were on hand to run the auditions with the assistance of TMS committee members, and the Tralee native Oliver was blown away by the talent which came before him and put their best feet forward.

He had some very difficult decisions to make with almost thirty people auditioning for the thirteen parts announced – there are some other minor roles which will be chosen at a later date from the chorus, which is a very large one, coming it at over sixty people.

The leading male role goes to a man who needs little introduction to Thurles audiences having starred on many occasions for Thurles Drama Group as well as Thurles Musical Society.

Award winning David McElgunn will play the part of Edward Bloom, and he joins his sister Trisha on stage, who will play the part of Jenny Hill.

David’s daughter Áine also joins him in rehearsals for the show, which will be staged in the Premier Hall from March 19 – Áine is part of a new Junior Chorus which sees ten Transition Year and Fifth Year students on stage with the Society.

This is a new exciting initiative, and TMS is delighted to welcome the very enthusiastic and talented teenagers to the fold.

Following her wonderful portrayal of Rita O’Grady in last years Made in Dagenham, Fiona Delaney returns this year as Sandra Bloom, while returning also is John Hayes as Will Bloom.

Marie Therese Kirby plays the part of Josephine, while Brendan Bailey, Frank Tuohy and Linda Ryan have all left their Dagenham roles behind them to take on the portrayal of Amos, Karl and The Witch respectively.

Barry Derby plays the part of Don Price, while Ben Collins will be Zachary Price; Denise King and Shannon O’Halloran will be the Alabama Lambs; and Peter Donnelly will be Red Fang.

As readers can see, this is a very exciting line-up with vast experience mingling with a fresh approach.

The Society was delighted with the auditions and has congratulated all of those who put themselves forward for consideration – it takes a lot of resolve to do so, but it is also a very positive personal experience which can be invaluable going forward.

Rehearsals have continued this week, and the Society is breaking now, until early January.

Then they will re-convene and jump into the preparations with a vengeance.

However, all those on stage will continue to learn the music and lines over the Festive Season so that they will come back to rehearsals well advanced and ready to kick-on.