By 
TWO young actors from Strabane are set to tread the boards of the Millennium Forum later this month in a new production of the Bloody Sunday-set play ‘The White Handkerchief.’
Conor Walters and Jenson Ritchie have joined the cast of the production as rehearsals begin ahead of the curtain rising later in January.
The critically-acclaimed show will return to the city later this month for ten performances at the Millennium Forum to coincide with the anniversary of Bloody Sunday.
Both Strabane lads are a product of the Much Ado Stage School and owner Rois Kelly-Lynch couldn’t be prouder.
Detailing how it all came about, Rois said, “I recevived an email from Mags Anderson Education and Schools Marketing Officer at Millennium Forum, about an open call for young people to be part of The White Handkerchief. Anyone interested had to send in a self-tape audition of them singing and a monologue.
“The two boys got through that and were invited to a live audition in Derry, where they just blew away Kieran Griffiths, the director, and Mags and instantly got a part in the production.”
Rois continued, “As far as I know, due to the nature of the play and the boys being so young, they’ll only be given scenes and dialogue pertaining to their roles and be shielded from the rest of the play.
“This is another vindication of the talent we have in Strabane and district, as these roles usually go young performers in the likes of Derry, Belfast and Dublin and a great achievement for Conor and Jenson to be part of such a professional production. To say we’re proud is an understatement and myself and Jamie from MASS Management will be there opening night to cheer the boys on.”
