Group news:
Sunday, 4th December 2011 – BYMDS are holding a Cake Sale & Monster Raffle in St Mary’s Junior National School after 11am mass – this is an important fundraiser for us and we would very much appreciate your support with this. It is essential we raise much needed funds in order to finance our show next April, and as a volunteer organisation we rely on the support of our local community and district. Please drop in and buy dessert for Sunday lunch and/or a ticket for our Monster Raffle, with an impressive list of prizes. Many thanks!
November 2011 – We have launched straight into rehearsals for our next big musical production “The King & I” – which will be brought to stage in April 2012. This is a huge undertaking, with a complex script, elaborate costumes and challenging sets. We are delighted to have the assistance from Blessington Community College Transition Year Students in helping us create some of our costumes, props and sets. Our members have entered into rehearsals with their usual enthusiasm and energy – we are excited about this show – make sure you watch out for details nearer the time!
28th & 29th October 2011 – BYMDS brought “Halloween Hysteria” – an evening of spooky drama & dance to the Tramway Theatre. This was a fun-filled entertaining show, with a variety of acts – something for everyone! The theatre was decorated in accordance with the Halloween theme, with plenty of witches, monsters & scary ghouls...and that was just the leaders! Children in our audience dressed up for the night and an award was given to the best costume. Our members presented poetry, drama, song and dance – all based on the Halloween theme – and closed the show each day with an impressive, powerful “Thriller” dance routine.
15th October 2011 – BYMDS joined a variety of acts in a concert held in the Tramway Theatre in aid of Baltinglass & Blessington Day Centre. They performed short pieces of drama, dance and song to a full house, and were delighted to be able to take part in a fundraiser for such a worthy cause.
23rd September 2011 – Culture Night – BYMDS appeared in both Blessington Library and the Tramway Theatre. Our members appeared in DramaReads, and presented song and dance numbers from some of our previous shows. We were very proud to participate in this event and once again praise the children for their hard work.
September 2011 – BYMDS returned after the summer break with a bang – straight into rehearsals for our participation in Culture Night, a concert in aid of Baltinglass & Blessington Day Care Centre and our own Halloween production. As several places had become available in BYMDS we were able to invite new members to join us in September and we are happy to say they have been a great addition to our group and have been made very welcome by all.
May 2011 – On the 12th of May the Hollywood style “Premier Night” of our three films was held in the Tramway Theatre for our members. This was a fantastic night of fun and entertainment, hosted by Alan Hughes. Our members were driven from Blessington Square to the Theatre by Blessington Vintage Car Club, and met in true moviestar style by waiting photographers. For a change the children were the audience and in between viewings of their films were entertained by the Kilbride & Lakeside Band, Sinead O’Brien’s School of Dance...and a rare once-off performance from the BYMDS leaders! The following nights Friday and Saturday 13th & 14th of May brought “A Night of the Oscars” – a selection of music, song & dance from Oscar Nominations and our three short films – devised, written & produced by our members. “Walking on Eggshells”, “Alien8” and “Facescroll” were well received by our audiences and once again portrayed the talent, diversity & enthusiasm of our members.