Cavan woman wins national acting award

Originally from Milltown and now living in Trim, Jenny had long hoped to play the role of Heidi after seeing the show in London’s West End.

Cavan woman Jenny McCabe has won the Best Supporting Actress award at the AIMS Awards ceremony in Killarney for her portrayal of Heidi Hansen in the North East Musical and Dramatic Society’s production of Dear Evan Hansen.

The annual event was attended by more than 1,400 members of musical societies from across Ireland.

The production, the Irish premiere of Dear Evan Hansen, was staged at Castleblayney’s Íontas Theatre and explored themes including social anxiety, loneliness, suicide and the challenges faced by single parents.

Originally from Milltown and now living in Trim, Jenny had long hoped to play the role of Heidi after seeing the show in London’s West End. The character challenged her to portray a mother supporting a child with mental health difficulties.

While delighted to receive national recognition from AIMS, Jenny said one of the most meaningful responses came from a mother in similar circumstances who told her it felt like she was “watching her own life unfold on stage”.

The award recognises Jenny’s outstanding performance in one of the society’s most acclaimed productions.