Kells musical and drama society outlines plans for hectic year

Kells Musical and Dramatic Society have another action-packed year ahead, starting with the staging of John B Keane"s "The Field" from 30th June to 4th July. Auditions for this production are being held this week. The society has also announced the staging of "Kells"s Got Talent" in September. This competition is open to all entertainers of all kinds with no age limit. There will be a trophy and great prizes for the finalists. Posters, fliers and application forms are available from most shops and schools in the area or contact John on (087) 207 9557 or Brian on (086) 384 1766 for further details. Plans are already in train for the group"s 34th pantomime "Mother Goose" which will be staged in February 2010. The society will hold its annual fundraising golf classic on Friday 15th May at Headfort Golf Club (old course). Entry fees for teams of four are €300, including a meal and light refreshments. The top prize is a golfing break of two nights" accommodation and a round of golf in St Helen"s Bay resort, Rosslare, Co Wexford. There will be a prize-giving and entertainment in Jack"s Railway bar at 9pm. Anyone wishing to enter should contact Brian on (086) 384 1766. At the recent well-attended annual meeting of the society in the St Vincent De Paul theatre, chairman John Grant recalled the last very active and successful year, the highlights of which was the record-breaking pantomime "Pinocchio" and the hit musical "Godspell." Mr Grant said the society was going from strength to strength with the purchase of new lighting, sound and costumes as well as ongoing material items. 'It is wonderful to see so young people getting involved in the society and relishing their chance to take part in all our productions and events,' he said. The society also staged one-act and three-act plays, "Showstoppers" shows, "The Passion Play" and some hit musicals, as well as fundraising through its churchgate collection and silver circle draw in December as well as a golf classic. Mr Grant thanked the public for their generous support, all their major sponsors, advertisers and patrons. A minute"s silence and a reflective prayer was held to acknowledge all deceased members who have passed away. The chairman expressed his sincere gratitude and thanks to everyone who took part in or helped in any way with all their recent productions. The following were elected to the committee: presidents, Tony Jones, Vinnie Ginnity and Brian O"Neill; chairman, John Grant; vice-chairperson, Alice Mulvany; secretary, Brian O"Neill; treasurer, Catherine Molloy; assistant secretary, Gary Byrne, and PRO, John Grant. Also elected to the committee were Pat Byrne, Mary McInerney, James Reilly, Martin Arkins, Anita McGovern, Susan Tuite, Emer Gogarty, Aaron Byrne, Linda Nelson, Elaine Tuite and Breege McGovern. Meanwhile, Kells Theatre School"s eighth annual production, with over 60 young people performing two musicals with drama and dance, will take place on Sunday 24th May at 3pm and 8pm in the St Vincent de Paul Theatre, Kells.