Offaly school set to enchant audiences with ‘Beauty and the Beast: The Musical’

BANAGHER College is buzzing with anticipation as students and staff prepare to bring the beloved Disney classic ‘Beauty and the Beast’ to life on stage next week.

With vibrant costumes, dazzling musical numbers, and a cast of more than 70 talented performers, this year’s school production promises to be one of the most ambitious and magical yet.

Directed and produced by Laura McDowall and Gillian Dewane, the show features a blend of performers and first-time actors, all working together to retell the enchanting story of Belle, a bright and independent young woman, and the mysterious Beast, who must learn to love—and be loved—to break a powerful curse. The curse is a magical spell placed on the young, selfish, unkind prince and on his household.

A mysterious Enchantress disguises herself as an old beggar and offers the Prince a rose in exchange for shelter. When he refuses her, she reveals her true form and punishes him for his lack of compassion. The curse turns the Prince into a Beast, and the servants into various enchanted household objects (feather dusters, a clock, candelabra, teapot, and wardrobe). The spell can only be broken if the Beast learns to love and earns someone’s love in return before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose. If he fails, he will remain a Beast forever.

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Rehearsals have been underway for weeks, filling the halls with the familiar melodies of audience favourites such as “Be Our Guest,” “Belle,” and “Beauty and the Beast.”

The Art Department has also been hard at work painting sets, while the Props Department have been a hive of creativity, designing elaborate props. The Construction Department are preparing sets to transform the space into a bustling village, a mysterious forest, and the Beast’s spellbound castle.

Behind the scenes, the costume team, choreography staff, and PR crew have played a vital role in bringing the production to life by creating eye-catching designs, staging energetic dance routines, and promoting the show throughout the school and wider community.

The students are to be commended for their dedication and teamwork. Their consistent effort and dedication to a rigorous rehearsal schedule has helped elevate the show’s overall quality and impact.

Families and community members are encouraged to attend and support the students’ work. Performances will take place on December 10th and December 11th at 7.30 (Doors open at 7pm) in the Banagher College Sports Hall. Tickets can be booked in advance by email tickets@bccns.ie, by phoning (085) 7555229 or at the door on the night of the show. Payment is cash only on the door.

With its message of kindness, courage, and looking beyond appearances, Beauty and the Beast: The Musical, is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic!

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