Fortwilliam Musical Society 
forced to put Calamity Jane on hold

In Belfast, Fortwilliam Musical Society faced the same problem, with their popular annual show, which this year would have been Calamity Jane, being delayed for a full year.

Formed in 1977, Fortwilliam Musical Society is based in North Belfast and is one of the most popular amateur theatre companies in the city.

“Like all musical societies we have been badly affected by lockdown,” explained Chairperson Hilary McKee.

“We currently have around 45 members aged from 17 to 80 plus, bonded together by a love of singing and musical theatre.

“Fortwilliam is a friendly vibrant company, and we have a wide and varied programme.

“Last year we were fortunate to be asked to perform at Belfast’s Christmas light switch on at Belfast City Hall, we went carol singing at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, as well as performing at Culture Night, corporate events and our ‘Back to the sixties’ concerts.

“We were in the middle of rehearsals for the classic musical ‘Calamity Jane’ when lockdown was introduced, and suddenly we went from meeting three times per week to nothing.

“One of our members organised regular quizzes which helped keep us in touch, together with zoom meetings and recordings.

“Now that lockdown has eased somewhat we look forward to summer returning and some socially distant outdoor rehearsals and get togethers, while we await the return of full rehearsals.

“Lockdown unfortunately forced postponement of ‘Calamity Jane’, which has been rescheduled for April 2021 in Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey, and also in the Ardhowen Theatre in Enniskillen.

“Our new concert programme will be based on the ‘Great American Songbook’.

“We also take bookings for corporate events, fundraisers and other events.”

As well as the main company, the youth company also faced setbacks due to the Covid-19 lockdown. “We also have an active youth group with around 60 members aged from 8 to 17,” explained Hilary.

“Unfortunately their production of ‘Hairspray’ also had to be postponed, and we look forward to being able to showcase this when theatres reopen.”

If you would like to tread the boards and show off your musical talent, Fortwilliam are keen to welcome new members as the lockdown restrictions begin to ease.

“We are currently open for new members, aged 17 and over, and would especially welcome males,” added Hilary.

“If you would like to join us please contact us via our website www.fortwilliammusicalsociety.co.uk or via our Facebook page.”