From London theatres to Longford: 'Hey! Old Friends!' promises to be a spectacular show

There has been talk about a new Longford group with some of the nicest four-part harmonies to be heard in the county. With growing arts interests, Brian Murray and John Kelly look forward to introducing the new Voices of Longford “Hey! Old Friends!” in February, 2026. It will be performed in the Backstage Theatre from February 26-28, with tickets out now for €15.

Brian Murray and John Kelly know good theatre when they see it. They go to musicals together when the opportunities arise such as London, inspired by the production, soundtracks and overall performances.

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They want to bring that back to Longford (of course, at a smaller scale!), by providing high-quality entertainment with local talent. This pair have known each other for decades.

Their resumes include: St Mel’s Musical Society in 1978; Top of the Towns in the Temperance Hall when Longford used to be one of the biggest centres for the national competition; and variety shows.

John Kelly said: “We’re still at the hip. We’re still doing shows together. This is a really exciting time. We have some amazing vocalists; male and female.”

Their friendship is longstanding and strong. Excited for February, Brian said that Voices of Longford began “with a group of friends.” Things started to get into motion throughout 2025. There were fundraising efforts. They had Fintan Farrelly, a choir master with Longford County Choir, to do workshops towards the end of the summer. They had Emer McGowan get involved.

“John is the comedy director and does separate rehearsals, until we merge later,” explained Brian. “Emer would be a musical director in Ballymahon. She’s really fantastic, very hands-on.

“She’s very good. Equally, both Fintan and Emer. We’re lucky in that respect. This will be a first because you won’t get a group that can do 3 or 4 part harmony, especially 4. We’re getting there. Vocally, it really will come together. There’s something for everybody. Outside musical theatre, there’s modern stuff there.”

The rewarding part of the upcoming production is not just the nights themselves, but what efforts they are supporting. St Christopher’s and Longford Hospice will be benefitting from the proceeds. The pair consider this as a great motivator while they rehearse and wait until February.

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The brand-new stage school, Brontë Stage School, in Aughnacliffe, will be part of the show. Excitement for the young boys and girls to be in a purpose-built theatre is another joy for Brian and John. There will also be students featured from Melview National School, described by Brian as “a big community effort.”

In relation to young people being a part of “Hey! Old Friends!” John said the following:

“It keeps us on our toes, to see the younger generation coming through! They’ll be onto you in a flash! It’s a great experience, good for their self-confidence when in a group like that and stand out in front of a couple hundred people.”

Trips to London together are a great experience after seeing musicals or drama.

Brian said that he is very lucky to have a close-knit bunch of friends, with the concept of friendship being the backbone for the upcoming show’s title. Going to London with John to see productions has brought inspiration, ambition but plenty of education.

“Even though it’s top of the game, it’s a learning curve,” mused Brian. “You can come home and see you’re an amateur group, but you can build a niche piece and incorporate what you’ve seen on a West End stage. You’ll try to adapt to it.”

Although Voices of Longford will be heavily about singing, John Kelly’s comedy sketches will provide a variety show twist. He has been working closely with Mikey Mollaghan, still a second-level student, who started off with mime work, like that of 1930s’ movies.

As to why this upcoming performance matters, Brian and John wanted to say the following:

“We just feel that we’re very passionate because we love to see people performing on-stage but also enjoying it, getting pleasure out of it. It’s great to see local people performing. Ann as well supporting the local organisations that need such strong support all the time. It really is a great buzz for us to see that happening,” said John.

Brian added: “I agree. For me, what’s exciting is that I’m such a stickler for harmonies. When they’re done correctly, it sounds fabulous. It really does. That’s where Voices of Longford comes in. Everyone in the group has a voice, as John says, to create a safe space out of their comfort zone, to enjoy it.”

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The pair has praised Longford’s current music culture throughout the town and wider county, through the many groups and choirs that are appearing. For them, February’s show provides a variety environment, to instill self-confidence and bring fun for both cast and audience members.

They have guaranteed that the whole night is not about musical theatre, but exploring every genre, so that all ages have something to enjoy. Understanding that attendees will be lovers of music, appreciating the harmonies, absorbing the atmosphere and getting pleasure from the evening, the pair are happy to provide the opportunity.

Contact Backstage Theatre at 043 33 47888 or backstage.ie for tickets.