Watch: New talent blossoms at Coalisland’s Craic Theatre as Dolly fever builds

The Youth Theatre classes are back in full swing at the Craic Theatre in Coalisland.

The popular venue is a hive of activity and creativity again, and the unmistakable beats of Dolly Parton’s famous tunes have been growing louder and louder ahead of a highly anticipated musical later this month.

Rehearsals are ramping up for the rip-roaring ‘9 to 5 The Musical’ which hits the Craic stage on Thursday, February 24 for a run of eight nights over two weeks.

With music by the Queen of Country herself, ’9 to 5’ tells the story of three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Concocting a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor, will the ladies manage to reform their office – or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit?

The Craic show features a host of familiar faces and regulars on the Coalisland stage and they will be joined by Lauren McCrory who was the 2017 winner of the popular TV4 country music show Glór Tíre.

With the sense of anticipation building in the final few weeks before the curtain call, Oliver Corr from the Craic Theatre said audiences can expect a top quality production.

“This show was originally supposed to be staged back in October and November time last year, but because of all the restrictions, we had to put it back. So there is real sense of excitement to finally see the show take to the stage in a few weeks’ time,” said Oliver.

“The team behind 9 to 5 are very experienced and the rehearsals are really in full flight at the moment. It’s basically the same team which was behind our last musical Little Shop of Horrors which had six nominations in the AIMS awards, with Kim Gildernew wining best actress.

“We have Sean O’Neill as the director and the work he has been doing is amazing. And the musical director is Roisin Corr who has also been fantastic.

“There are a few members of the youth theatre who are also involved and it’s great they are getting their chance in a big production like this.
“Although it’s a show about Dolly Parton, it’s not all country music. The audience will definitely know plenty of the songs.”

After such a tumultuous two years, Oliver is delighted to see the buzz back at the Craic, with this musical coming hot on the heels of the recent Ever After pantomime.

Oliver continued, “Ever After was a massive success, a sell-out. Just after Christmas we weren’t too sure how the tickets would sell, but then word spread about how good the show was and the tickets flew out the door.

“All the young people involved deserve massive praise, as the preparation for the pantomime was very difficult with social distancing and restrictions, but they all managed brilliantly and the feedback from the public has been great.

“There was a real sense from the audiences, that it was great to finally get back. And now we have the 9 to 5 show in full swing, so it’s really great to see the theatre busy again.”

Meanwhile, this weekend will see the resumption of the Youth Theatre classes at the Craic which start from 9.30am for P4-P7 age group,10.45am for P4-P7 age group, and 12.15pm for post primary age group.

For ticket information and more details on the Youth Theatre classes visit https://craicartscentre.co.uk