St Agnes’ Choral Society 
vows that the show will go on

Originally established in Andersonstown, west Belfast, the unwavering sense of community within St Agnes’ ensured that members and supporters continued to meet throughout the Troubles and since. It is this commitment that has allowed the society to maintain its ties with its members, allow for regular - if virtual - gatherings, and to proactively plan for the future during quarantine.

The COVID-19 pandemic and government sanctioned lockdown came as a hammer blow to the society in late March. Having produced an annual show in the Grand Opera House for the last 60 years, the curtain was about to go up on the society’s 2020 production of ‘Top Hat’.

Society chairperson, Gareth McGreevy notes how close the company were to opening night: “Rehearsals were in full swing, sets were made and costumes delivered, with the whole company eager to deliver the Northern Ireland premiere of the Irving Berlin classic at Lisburn’s Island Hall,” he said. “The change of venue was due to the Opera House renovations. The show was cancelled five days before opening night, meaning the company couldn’t ‘face the music and dance’.”

While initially downhearted, it was going to take more than a global pandemic to dampen the spirits of the multi-award winning society and one of Ireland’s most critically acclaimed musical theatre companies. In May the company recorded a beautiful virtual rendition of ‘Thankful’ by Josh Groban to honour the tireless work of all frontline workers. The video, still available to view on the society’s Facebook page, was shared across the world, raised more than £2,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and garnered widespread media coverage.

Since lockdown, thanks to regular quiz nights, members were able to stay in touch and, in July, there was a virtual bingo night with a fancy-dress theme of St Agnes’ past shows.

The weekly rehearsals of the cross community Society have always provided an invaluable opportunity to share in song, chat and laughter. In addition to the unfortunate postponement of ‘Top Hat’ in March, there were a number of concerts and choral events also scheduled to take place before the summer which had to be cancelled. In the absence of being able to come together, St Agnes’ is working on an exciting project for the autumn, an online concert featuring highlights from past shows - including The Sound of Music, 42nd Street, Anything Goes and many, many more - and well known pieces from its choral repertoire.

The society is also due to announce the commencement of ticket sales for its 2021 show which will see ‘Shrek’ on the Grand Opera House stage as one of the first shows to take place once the historic venue reopens.

With ongoing uncertainty regarding lockdown restrictions and when rehearsals or arts performances can recommence, St Agnes’ will continue to provide innovative ways between now and then to bring a unique performance and the joy of music and song to Northern Ireland and beyond.