Offaly school wins two major musical awards for sold-out show

THE spotlight is shining brightly on Sacred Heart School, Tullamore this week, following a major achievement on the national stage.

The school’s much-celebrated production of Legally Blonde: The Musical, which played to three sold-out nights at the Esker Arts Centre in November 2024, has been recognised by AIMS (Association of Irish Musical Societies) as part of a new national student awards programme launched this year.

The AIMS Student Musical Theatre Awards celebrate excellence in school-based musical theatre across Ireland.

Designed to mirror the long-running adult AIMS awards, held annually in Killarney’s INEC and representing dozens of musical societies from all over the island, this new initiative gives students the opportunity to be recognised on a national stage.

The inaugural student ceremony was live-streamed into classrooms across the country, marking a major moment for young performers and production teams nationwide.

The Sacred Heart School was one of only six schools nominated in the prestigious Best Student Production Team category, an award that acknowledges the full scope of behind-the-scenes effort, including set design, technical operation, stage management, props, costumes, art and design, hair and make-up, programme, and front of house.

In a year of fierce competition, this nomination alone is a testament to the creativity, teamwork, and dedication of the school’s students and staff.

There was even more excitement when Transition Year student Ella Condron (pictured below) was announced as the winner of the Best Comedienne category for her hilarious and heartfelt performance as Paulette, the scene-stealing hairdresser.

Ella’s natural comic timing and charisma lit up the stage, and she’ll next be seen as Uncle Fester in the Sacred Heart School’s upcoming production of The Addams Family, which returns to the Esker Arts Centre from November 4-6 next. Tickets will go on sale in early September.

The production also featured boys from Coláiste Choilm, highlighting the value of inter-school collaboration and community spirit.

The win was particularly meaningful for director and choreographer Jay Origan (pictured below on right with Ella Condron and show musical director James Murphy), who previously played Paulette in Tullamore Musical Society’s 2019 production of Legally Blonde and was named Best Comedienne at the 2024 adult AIMS Awards.

“Ella is immensely talented and so deserving. Seeing her recognised nationally and winning in the same category was a very proud day,” said Miss Origan.

The production was guided by musical director James Murphy, with student dance captains Elizabeth Aubin and Isabelle McCumiskey contributing standout choreography.

A strong support team of school staff helped make the show possible, including Clare Faherty, Grace Dunne, and Ellen Godley, who performed as part of the orchestra, and Claire Beatty, who led on props. Their dedication, along with the time and effort of many other staff members, brought the show to life.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and our Board of Management, multiple primary schools from across the county were also invited to attend special performances of the show — a powerful example of arts in education and community outreach in action.

The success of Legally Blonde was also made possible thanks to the unwavering support of parents, local businesses, and sponsors. With the rising costs of producing high-calibre musicals, the school emphasised how crucial this backing is.

“Musicals are expensive to run,” said Miss Origan, “but the benefits for students — in confidence, creative expression, teamwork, and self-belief — are unmeasurable. These opportunities build lifelong skills and unforgettable memories.”

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Meanwhile, Tullamore Musical Society, which celebrates 70 years of musical excellence this year, has also been nominated at the adult AIMS Awards in the Best Visual category for its stunning production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

The Sacred Heart School extends its warmest congratulations and best wishes to the society ahead of the upcoming ceremony in Killarney.

Finally, AIMS is currently seeking a corporate sponsor to ensure the continuation of the Student Awards in 2026. If you or your business would like to support this exciting national programme for young creatives — or if you would like to become a sponsor for Sacred Heart School Tullamore’s upcoming production of The Addams Family — please reach out to Miss Jay Origan at j.origan@shstullamore.ie, who will be happy to put you in touch with the AIMS National Council.