Banbridge Musical Society devastated at show cancellation

The popular, award winning musical company stages shows at the IMC Cinema in Banbridge, and, as one of Northern Ireland’s longest established amateur musical theatre companies, has been delighting audiences since 1943.

The Society was formed as the Banbridge Choral Society in 1943 when members performed many choral pieces as well as Gilbert and Sullivan operettas.

In the 1970s the move to musical theatre provided a broader range of shows and pantomimes to be performed, as well as an amendment to their name.

The Society stages two productions annually and delivers 16 high quality and professional performances each year. Shows are very successful in terms of support from the local community with at least 5,000 people each year paying to see the shows, and there are around 50 adult and 100 children / teenage cast members at any given time.

The entire cast of Rent were devastated when the show had to be cancelled and, to date, there have been no plans to reschedule the production.

A spokesperson for Banbridge Musical Society explained: “When COVID-19 began to sweep across Northern Ireland, Banbridge Musical Society were just two weeks from opening night of their production of ‘Rent’.

“Unfortunately, after months of rehearsal, the committee made the difficult decision to cancel the show.

“Whilst the company, crew and production team were extremely disappointed, everyone understood that the decision was necessary to protect everyone involved.

“Given the uncertainty over live performances, they do not know when we may be able to start rehearsing or performing again. Whilst virtual catch ups via Zoom are becoming the new normal, the society do miss seeing each other at rehearsals or at social gatherings.

“Whilst there are no current plans to perform in the immediate future, Banbridge Musical Society remain hopeful that their audiences will continue to support them like they have done for more than 70 years.”

Find out more at www.facebook.com/BanbridgeMusical