INSPIRATION Elvis Presley, whose songs populate Castlebar Musical and Dramatic Society’s show.
In a first for Ireland, Mayo musical society stages a sensory-friendly ‘All Shook Up’
Castlebar Musical and Dramatic Society is presenting a novel ‘relaxed’ or sensory friendly performance of ‘All Shook Up’ – the first performance of its type by an amateur musical society in Ireland – on Saturday, March 11, at 2pm in The Royal Theatre Castlebar. A relaxed/sensory-friendly performance is for everyone, providing a welcoming and inclusive environment that can be enjoyed by all.
This special performance is one of a run of four shows of ‘All Shook Up’, the family friendly musical, which is being staged in The Royal Theatre from March 9 to 11. Inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley, the show is a heartwarming tale about following dreams, love and the power of music.
Audiences will be transported to a small Midwestern US town that is thrown into a frenzy with the arrival of Chad, a good-looking, motorcycle-riding roustabout, who rides from town to town, guitar on his back, blue suede shoes on his feet, and a song in his heart. Repressed by their conservative mayor, the town begins to come alive once more under Chad’s influence. Lovers meet, woo, pursue, and more, all in one zany night that will change the town forever. This hip-swivelling, lip-curling musical fantasy will include such Elvis classics as ‘Heartbreak Hotel’, ‘Hound Dog’, ‘Jailhouse Rock’ and ‘Don’t Be Cruel’.
Speaking about the sensory-friendly show, Pat Jennings of The Royal Theatre explained that ‘relaxed performances provide a supportive theatre environment where audience members can express themselves as they wish, move around and exit and re-enter the auditorium freely’.
“During this performance, there will be a laid-back approach to noise and movement coming from the audience, permitting and encouraging everyone to relax and be completely themselves while enjoying the show,” he said.
Referring to this specific performance of ‘All Shook Up’, Ronan Egan, Chairman of the Castlebar Musical and Dramatic Society, explained the additional steps that have been taken to heighten the relaxed atmosphere.
“The show’s lighting and sound will be adjusted to reduce sensory stimuli,” he said, “and the lights in the auditorium will be kept on at a lower level throughout the performance to create a comfortable, safe and welcoming environment.
“There will also be a ‘chill-out’ area where people can go if they find they need some quiet time away from the auditorium’.”
This relaxed/sensory-friendly performance is one of a run of four shows of ‘All Shook Up’, the family friendly musical, which takes place in The Royal Theatre Castlebar from March 9-11. Inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley, ‘All Shook Up’ is a heartwarming tale about following dreams, love, and the power of music. This hip-swivelling, lip-curling musical fantasy will have you jumping out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as ‘Heartbreak Hotel’, ‘Hound Dog’, ‘Jailhouse Rock’, and ‘Don’t Be Cruel’.
Tickets for all shows are available on: www.castlebarmds.com
All Shook Up runs from March 9 to 11, with the sensory-friendly performance taking place on Saturday, March 11 at 2pm. For tickets, visit the Castlebar Musical and Dramatic Society website, www.castlebarmds.com; call the Royal Theatre Castlebar box office on 094 9023111, or visit www.royaltheatrecastlebar.ie.