Contributor: Matthew Campbell
Reaching your 50th anniversary is a notable milestone for any company, business or even couple, but it seems to be quite a common achievement for amateur dramatic companies in Northern Ireland, and Downpatrick Choral Society (St Patrick’s) is no exception. In 2012, the company celebrated 50 successful years of providing affordable and quality entertainment to the local community through musical theatre.
To mark this event the society staged an award winning production of Bock and Harnick’s ‘Fiddler On The Roof’. (Wednesday 21st – Saturday 24th March 2012 The Great Hall, Downshire Estate). The production was a special occasion for the society as it saw the return of some past members, including Paul Kelly, who also performed with the St. Agnes Choral Society of Belfast. Even more notable was the return of Maureen Keohane, one of the last surviving founding members, who made a cameo appearance on stage as Fruma-Sara. (Keohane is also known as a national councillor for the Association of Irish Musical Societies.) The performance was also attended by several past members and dignitaries. Chairperson at the time, Anne Millar recalls the special occasion noting it to be a monumental achievement for the rural company who at the time of its formation, were unsure whether or not the society would see ten years.
The special production received recognition through two A.I.M.S awards for Best Direction (Gary Warnock) and Best Male Singer (Eugene Armstrong as Tevye) celebrated at a special award ceremony in Killarney in June of that year.
The society also held an anniversary concert on the 2nd June 2012 which I recall being a wonderful display of talent from all ages of the society and it was the perfect opportunity to invite past members back on stage for one special performance who were unable or possibly unfit to take part in a full production.
The concert was well attended by the local community and press all of whom showed grate gratitude to the work that the society do for the community.
As I reflect on the memorable milestone, it reminds me of the simple purpose of amateur theatre in any capacity, and that is the want to willingly provide entertainment to others with no expectation of financial recognition. What drives a society for 50 years and beyond is the ownership that each of the members take in ensuring that they provide a quality product, not necessarily just for the audiences’, but also for the members’, own satisfaction. As Lyn Gardner from The Guardian observes,
Most people taking part in … amateur dramatic societies … don’t think of themselves as artists; they are simply doing something they really enjoy. But that’s not to say skill levels aren’t high. It has become clear … that professionals can learn as much from amateurs as the other way round.
Downpatrick Choral Society has been a wonderful influence on my life as a musician and performer and has even been responsible for driving my ambition to carry out my current research. I am very proud that a simple hobby can bring so many opportunities and memories to many people and I am humbled that I have been able to share some of these memories with you.
Sources
Lyn Gardner – The Guardian online – https://www.theguardian.com/stage/theatreblog/2013/jun/17/amateur-theatre-celebrated-not-derided