Musical and dramatic society in Kildare sets sights high for Culture Night 2025

A musical and dramatic society based in County Kildare plans to "bring culture back to The Abbey" as part of this year's Culture Night celebration.

According to the Clane Musical and Dramatic Society (CMDS), it will return "in full force" following a busy season.

Recently, the CMDS garnered nominations for seven awards at the AIMS Awards in Killarney and celebrating wins for Best Director (Jennifer O’Brien) and Best Singer (Emma Stack) for their 2025 production of Sister Act. 

Now, CMDS has revealed: "This Culture Night, the Society invites you to experience an unforgettable evening of theatre and song, set against the stunning backdrop of The Abbey in the centre of Clane, a venue steeped in history and the perfect stage for what promises to be a night filled with talent and local pride.

"The evening begins with a special performance of the powerful Irish one-act play, 'Cathleen Ní Houlihan' by WB Yeats, directed by the ever-talented Sadie O’Reilly.

"The cast features a wonderful ensemble of local performers: Pauline Hoban, Sean Lennon, Rob Gallagher, Aine Grace, Laura Fenner, and Tommy McGauran, who will be making his debut on stage."

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Explaining the summary of the play, the CMDS said: "This haunting and poetic piece is set in rural Ireland in 1798, on the eve of rebellion. A mysterious old woman visits a family preparing for their son’s wedding.

"As she speaks of her lost four green fields and of heroes long gone, the young man is captivated; ultimately inspired to leave his home and sacrifice everything for the greater cause of Irish freedom.

"The old woman, revealed to be Cathleen Ní Houlihan, the spirit of Ireland itself, becomes young and radiant again as he walks out the door.

"It’s a story of identity, patriotism, and the power of myth and remains just as relevant and moving today."

The CMDS continued: "Adding a very special touch to this year’s production is the introduction of Tommy McGauran, taking to the stage in his first-ever role as Patrick Gillane.

"A proud local talent, Tommy follows in the footsteps of the many McGaurans who have graced the same stage before him — a legacy of creativity and performance that continues to grow within the Society."

Following this play, audiences will be treated to a lively musical segment featuring solo performances from Clane’s upcoming production of 'Curtains', a whodunnit musical comedy.

"Expect to hear familiar favourites from the show," the CMSD said. "It’s a brilliant opportunity to preview what promises to be another blockbuster performance from Clane Musical Society later this year."

The CMDS concluded: "The society continues to grow in strength, and nights like this, supported so warmly by the people of Clane and the wider Kildare area, are a testament to that success."

The event will take place on the evening of Thursday, September 19, 2025. The two performances will take place at 7pm and 8pm respectively.

Doors open at 6.30pm.

There is no charge for entry.

The Clane Musical and Dramatic Society at the AIMS Awards in Killarney. Photograph credit: Darragh Carroll

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