A Tipperary choral society brings the magical tale of Beauty and the Beast to life

St Mary’s Choral Society has once again reaffirmed its reputation for delivering top-tier community theatre with its recent seven-night run of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at Clonmel's White Memorial Theatre.

With a magical blend of enchanting performances, dazzling visuals, and heartfelt musicality, this production brought the classic tale to life with both emotional depth and vibrant energy, leaving audiences thoroughly delighted.

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Directed with finesse by Des Henn, the show found the perfect balance between fairytale wonder and genuine human connection. The pacing was tight, the transitions seamless, and the visual storytelling deeply considered. Henn’s vision was complemented by the elegant musical direction of Niall Kelly, whose work with the orchestra and vocal ensembles ensured the score soared with Disney’s signature sparkle while allowing room for tender nuance.

At the heart of the production was Saoirse Scully as Belle, whose portrayal radiated intelligence, warmth and strength. Scully’s crystalline soprano brought fresh vitality to “Belle (Reprise)” and “A Change in Me”, earning audible admiration from the audience. Emmet Donlan, as the Beast, delivered a powerful and emotionally rich performance, portraying the character’s journey from anger and isolation to tenderness with great sensitivity. While their characters’ emotional arc was fully realised through strong individual performances, the chemistry between Scully and Donlan was more subtle than overt—developing gradually over the course of the show in a way that mirrored the cautious growth of trust and affection in the story itself.

In the role of the vain and villainous Gaston, Cormac Maher delivered a show-stealing performance. With booming bravado and pitch-perfect comic timing, Maher had the audience in stitches, particularly during the rousing “Gaston” number, assisted brilliantly by Cathal Walsh as his loyal, bumbling sidekick LeFou. Walsh’s physical comedy was a joy to watch, and the duo’s dynamic brought a lively spark to every shared scene.

Cian Corcoran lit up the stage as Lumière, charming and flamboyant in all the right ways. His French accent was spot-on, and his rendition of “Be Our Guest” was both vocally impressive and visually spectacular. Paired with Kevin Fahey’s delightfully fussy Cogsworth, the two created a delightful comedic duo that helped anchor the enchanted castle scenes with heart and humour.

Niamh Healy brought grace and warmth to the role of Mrs Potts. Her heartfelt performance of the titular “Beauty and the Beast” was a tender, emotional highlight that quietened the theatre. Doireann Scully was utterly endearing as Chip, bringing a youthful sincerity to every moment on stage.

Other supporting roles were played with commitment and flair: George Barry was a lovable Maurice, capturing the eccentric charm of Belle’s father; Rachel Browne made for a flirtatious and fun Babette; Nicole Butler’s Madame de la Grande Bouche was grandly comic and well-voiced; Cole Flanagan’s sinister Monsieur D’Arque added just the right note of menace. Richie Gleeson and Ciarán Cotter, as the Baker and Book Seller respectively, added delightful texture to the village scenes.
Barbara Meany’s choreography was bright and inventive, particularly in full ensemble numbers like “Gaston” and “Be Our Guest”.

The cast executed the routines with confidence and energy, reflecting hours of dedicated rehearsal. The chorus, under the guidance of Laura Cotter, was tight and well-blended throughout, giving the production a robust vocal backbone.
Visually, the show was a feast for the senses. Anthony Lawless’s set design transformed the White Memorial Theatre into a storybook world, with elegant, intricate pieces that enhanced every scene.

Alan McCormack’s lighting design elevated the magic further, from the warmth of the village to the haunting, dramatic tones of the castle. Each scene was carefully lit to enhance mood and storytelling, creating moments of true theatrical enchantment.
Adding a final layer of authenticity and grandeur, the costumes—sourced from the original West End production—were nothing short of breath-taking. Every detail, from Belle’s iconic golden ballgown to the enchanted objects’ ornate designs, added to the production’s professional polish and visual richness.

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This Beauty and the Beast was more than a familiar tale—it was a love letter to community theatre. It captured the timeless magic of the story while showcasing local talent in all areas of performance and production. St. Mary’s Choral Society has delivered a glowing success, and audiences are sure to be talking about it long after the final rose petal has fallen.