THIS year the Billie Barry Stage School celebrates its 50th anniversary – an incredible milestone from such humble beginnings.
It is a testament to its late founder, the legendary Billie Barry. The local stage school presents
‘GOLD’ at the Gaiety Theatre, from October 28 to November 1.
The show was devised as a celebration of the school’s 50 years, but sadly, on September 30, Billie Barry passed away.
‘GOLD’ will now be held in her honour and will celebrate the life of this fantastic lady in her beloved Gaiety Theatre.
‘GOLD’ is the most precious of the elements and it is fitting that this show is a tribute to Billie Barry, a golden show for a golden lady.
This spectacular action packed variety entertainment show for all the family will feature all 800 of the school’s current students, from four-years-of-age to 24-years-of-age, who will combine their talents for this very special production.
Founded in 1964, the Billie Barry Stage School is one of the oldest stage schools in Europe.
The show, which is produced, directed and choreographed by Lorraine Barry with Peter Beckett as musical director, promises to delight audiences with scenes from
‘Matilda’,
‘Shrek’,
‘The Great Gatsby’,
‘Mary Poppins’,
‘Sofia The First’,
‘Jake and the Neverland Pirates’, featuring the music of Beyonce, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder and lots more.
The special guest will be the hilarious June Rodgers in her latest comedic guises.
All the students of the school are currently in rehearsals and a behind the scenes team is working on the sets, lighting, sound, props and the hundreds of costumes necessary to ensure the success of such a lavish production.
The who’s who of Dublin has attended the Billie Barry Stage School. In 1964, the school had a mere 36 students on its first day and it now boasts 800 students.
Famous graduates from the worlds of music, screen and stage include Jacinta Whyte, Angeline Ball, Brian McFadden, Samantha Mumba, Susan McFadden, Louise Bowden, Brenda Donoghoe, Fair City’s Hilda Faye and Jim Bartley. It is estimated that between 16,000 and 20,000 students have passed through the school.
While the leadership and operation was handed over to Billie’s daughter Lorraine Barry some dozen years ago, the school has kept its stride and has stepped up to and exceeded the challenges facing an independent, entertainment oriented educational system today.
Tickets for
‘GOLD’ are on sale now from Ticketmaster and the Gaiety Theatre Box Office.