Terenure College has a proud record of fostering drama down the years. We have had an annual play since 1946. Originally we concentrated on Shakespeare, but lately we have produced works by O’Casey, Synge, Brian Friel and Arthur Miller. Another recent innovation – well, fairly recent – is the introduction of Our Lady’s girls. Included among the eminent actors who first trod a stage in the College are Donal McCann, Bosco Hogan, the Grennell brothers, Michael and Nicholas, and many others. Recently we have produced many actors who have made a mark on television and the movies. Mark McElhatton, who was unforgettable as “Rats” in Paths to Freedom, is a ex-Terenure boy as is Aidan McArdle, who recently starred as Dudley Moore in the Channel 4 production depicting the lives of “Pete and Dudley”.

THE COLLEGE PLAY 2010 2011 - HAMLET

Auditions for the college play Hamlet took place during October 2010 last year. There was a very good turnout of 4th, 5th and 6th years from Terenure, and 4th and 5th years from Our Lady’s, but the many hopefuls were reduced down to the cast of 12 who started rehearsals straight away.

Early rehearsals, which took place after school four days a week, were dominated by just getting to know everyone and settling into the parts. Director Daryl and producer Graham set up some early workshops to facilitate this ice-breaking period. However, it wasn’t long before Christmas was looming and a sense of urgency and fear of total and utter embarrassment crept in amongst the cast and motivated everyone to get focussed. As the weeks progressed and all the main characters, (Max Madigan as Claudius, Thomas Harte as Polonius, Kevin Mulcahy as Laertes, Daniel Price as Hamlet, Aoife Meagher as Ophelia and Niamh Duke as Gertrude) learned their lines, things started to come together.

Daryl and Graham went on a shopping spree for the male costumes and the girls used the period dresses they just happened to have lying around at home! With the costumes sourced and the set taking shape it looked like everything was on course for two pre-Christmas performances.

Then it snowed.
And snowed.
And snowed some more.

With the news that not even all the cast would be able to make it in, let alone an audience, the play was postponed and new dates set for mid January.

The unexpected delay turned into a positive as everyone returned from the Christmas holidays with renewed energy and drive. After one week of rehearsals to touch up on some areas, the play went on. There was a full house both nights with a fantastic atmosphere and great reaction from all who were there. A great debt of gratitude is owed to the director Daryl Kinsella, our producer Graham Quinn, all the light and sound technicians and everyone who turned out to support us. It was a hugely enjoyable and worthwhile experience.

Additional Cast:
Conor O’Hare – Player King
Aly McMahon – Player Queen
Adam Halpin – Osric
Zach Parkinson – Lucianus
Conall Walsh – Ghost
Robert Hall – Gravedigger.

Daniel Price