A variety show like no other!
ENTERTAINING Knockbride Variety Show returns for three nights
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Mary Cooney, Aiden Clarke and Dympna Gillick in a scene from one of the sketches in the Knockbride Variety Show. Alex Coleman.Image 2 of 3
Ryan Carroll arrives late to hospital with flowers to New Mum Finuala Duffy in a scene from First Born during rehearsals. Alex Coleman.Image 3 of 3
The band getting in some practice for the Knockbride Variety Show. Alex Coleman.Knockbride Variety Show are delighted to be back on stage once more, serving up top quality entertainment the community has come to expect.
The three successive nights of entertainment kick off on Thursday, March 30. While the spacious venue of Tunnyduff Community Hall caters for 300 people, the organisers expect a sell-out show each night so they advise people to come early to secure your seat.
“It’s three great nights of music, comedy and dance with a live band,” enthuses Knockbride Variety Show’s chairperson Geraldine Clarke. “We want to thank our cast and crew who have been rehearsing since mid-January to ensure that this year’s show is a resounding success.”
“This year we have welcomed back our usual cast and have added some new members to both our comedy and music teams. We also have many young comedians making their debut with Knockbride Variety Show and hopefully we will see them back on stage for many years to come.
“It has been great to see the excitement and enjoyment of our cast and the eagerness to perform on stage.”
The excitement contrasts sharply with the disappointment of 2020 when, like every other stage show nationwide, they had to cancel due to Covid.
“A lot of work had went into it and we were all very disappointed when it couldn’t go ahead,” recalls Geraldine.
“At the time we had hoped to run it later in the year, thinking that Covid would be long gone at that stage, and now here we are three years later.”
So instead of looking forward to their 15th show, 2023 marks their 12th show.
“Our first show took place back in 2009 and has continued ever since thanks to the dedication of our cast, crew and committee both past and present.
“Since that first show we have donated the profits to worthwhile causes and this year we have chosen SOSAD Cavan and The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.
“SOSAD are working hard to ‘raise awareness and prevent suicide’ by offering much needed support. The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust are a lifeline to families whose loved ones have passed away abroad, by offering financial assistance to bring their remains home.
“It’s difficult to find someone who hasn’t been affected or knows of someone affected by either of these situations.”
Geradline is eager to stress the show is dependent on local support, for which they are grateful.
“We cannot express our appreciation enough for all those who have supported the show by attending as well as the businesses and individuals who have donated in any way. This year we will have a screen displaying advertisements for local businesses and have been delighted to see the uptake for this form of sponsorship and support for our chosen charities. As ever, we are grateful for all those who volunteer their time over the three nights to help out with the running of the show. This year’s show is sure to be one for the books.