Ballycastle priest takes on ‘Titanic’ task with Hot Mikado musical

IT may seem a mission impossible but this month the men of a local drama group are forsaking household chores, their families and even golfing to plan an incredible musical coup - and Ballycastle priest Fr Rory Sheehan is at the forefront!

They are the male cast of Portrush Music Society’s forthcoming production of “The Hot Mikado” and they meet three, four and sometimes five times each week to plot their complex manoeuvres and learn their various roles.

The task they have chosen is to improve on last year’s record-breaking production of Titanic the Musical and raise, once more, the standard of Northern Irish amateur dramatics.

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The men have been cast as “Gentlemen of Japan” in the production of Hot Mikado, the musical comedy to be performed in the Riverside Theatre in Coleraine from 27 April to 4 May.

Ballycastle man Fr Sheehan has been cast in the role of Pish Tush and his beautiful singing voice will be sure to delight audiences.

Last year, he took on the onerous role of playing J Bruce Ismay, the owner of the of the White Star Line which owned the Titanic.

This year’s role of Pish Tush is much more light-hearted for the Ballycastle man who is now parish priest of St Patrick’s in Portrush.

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This is a fast-paced adaptation of what is widely acclaimed as Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular comedy, including all the requisite social critique and hilarious farce. The men, transformed in “Gangnam style” suits, must master a range of dance routines that reflect the popular dances of the 1940’s with elements of Jazz Tap, the Lindy Hop and Jitterbug whilst singing to a foot-tapping score of Jazz, Blues, Swing and Gospel numbers. Throughout, they are, of course, ably assisted by the hugely talented female members of the Society.

Anyone who enjoyed last year’s show or those with a penchant for the glamour of the heyday of Hollywood Musicals, should contact the Riverside Theatre box office for tickets and further information by telephone 028 70 123 123 or online at www.riversidetheatre.org.uk.

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