Baldoyle Musical Society remains at centre stage

FRESH from another successful production, Baldoyle Musical Society (BMS) continues to provide great entertainment in the community, as well as giving locals the opportunity to develop their talents.

Following record-breaking attendances at its Panto, ‘Frozen Solid’, in January, ice and snow made way for spells and magic as ‘The Witches of Eastwick’ was recently staged by the society at St Mary’s Hall for five nights (April 19-23).

BMS was established in 1973 when a group of people met and decided to establish a musical society to cater for the large number of young people who had settled in Baldoyle in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The first production was ‘The Gondoliers’, which was followed by The Mikado in 1974.

Those involved soon realised that the Northside of Dublin had no pantomime and there was a potential audience for this traditional entertainment.

January 1975 saw the first panto, ‘Dick Whittington and His Cat’, staged at St Mary’s Hall in the village, and the large numbers seeking tickets warranted the staging of an additional performance.

Since then Baldoyle Musical Society has produced a panto every January and this entertainment has become firmly established as the premier, not to mention longest running, pantomime in North Dublin.

One of the oldest sayings in showbusiness is that the ‘show must go on’, and it’s an adage that sits well with BMS. They have overcome many difficulties in their illustrious history such as power cuts, severe freezing, petrol strikes and bus strikes but have always managed to make it to the stage on time. 

In addition to the January panto, which is seen by some 3,000 patrons each year, BMS produce a musical in late April and the high quality of these productions has been rewarded with successes in various competitions down through the years. 

One of the major factors contributing to the longevity and success of BMS has been the availability of a permanent home in which to rehearse, store props and costumes, and to perform.

For this, the society is indebted to the Principal and the Board of Management of St Mary’s Secondary School, the owners of St Mary’s Hall.

They have also benefitted greatly from the freely given skills of many craftsmen who have provided top-class sets and props. Their workmanship has become a hallmark of Baldoyle, often envied by fellow groups.

In this spirit Baldoyle Musical Society realises that recent developments in Baldoyle, Clongriffin, Belmayne, Clare Hall, and other areas have brought many new residents into what might be termed the hinterland of Baldoyle.

The group feels that there are people now living in the area who may like to get involved with a fun pastime like song and dance while using the opportunity to meet people in their adopted locality. New members (over 16) are very welcome to join the society, either to perform or to help out either backstage or front of house.

For further details, email [email protected] or visit www.baldoylemusicalsociety.ie.