Let the magic in: Inside Ballinrobe’s Frozen musical

There's something quietly magical happening in Ballinrobe, Co Mayo this spring—and it’s not just the promise of longer evenings or brighter days. Instead, it’s the arrival of Frozen: The Musical, a production set to transform a school gymnasium into the Kingdom of Arendelle.

Fresh off the success of The Hunchback of Notre Dame—a sweeping, chorus-driven show that earned national recognition at the AIMS awards—the society is stepping into a very different world this year. One filled with snow, sisterhood and some of the most recognisable songs in modern musical theatre.

“We knew straight away it was a surefire hit,” says chairman and performer Richard Crumlish. “Once you say Frozen, it resonates with everyone.”

He’s not exaggerating. Tickets for the Easter Sunday matinee sold out within 24 hours—no small feat for a venue that seats nearly 500.

From village stage to Disney spectacle

Ballinrobe Musical Society has been part of the town’s cultural fabric since 1944. Over the decades, it has evolved from humble beginnings in the old town hall to staging ambitious productions in Ballinrobe Community School—complete with full orchestras, intricate choreography and increasingly high-tech staging.

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This year, that evolution continues.

“We’re transforming the space completely,” Crumlish explains. “We’ve a 14-piece orchestra, and we’re using LED screens to bring the magic of Frozen to life. It’s the way forward for shows like this.”

That “magic” is key. After all, this is a story built on ice powers, enchanted landscapes and emotional transformation. Based on the beloved 2013 Disney film (itself inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen), Frozen follows sisters Elsa and Anna as they navigate fear, love and identity in the fictional kingdom of Arendelle.

And at the heart of it all? That song.

Stepping Into Elsa’s Shoes

For Sarah Corcoran, taking on the role of Elsa is both a thrill and a responsibility.

“It’s such an iconic character,” she says. “Especially for children—they know every word, every song. There’s definitely a bit of pressure there.”

Corcoran is no stranger to the stage. A seasoned performer who has been involved in musical theatre since the age of seven, she made a powerful debut with Ballinrobe last year as Esmeralda—earning a Best Female Singer nomination at the AIMS awards.

But Elsa is a different challenge altogether.

“It’s very vocally demanding,” she explains. “So it’s about really looking after your voice—resting, warming up, just staying well. Especially this close to the show.”

And then there’s Let It Go—arguably one of the most recognisable songs of the past decade.

“I’ve sung it before in concerts and taught it to students,” she says. “But performing it as Elsa, in costume, in the story—it’s completely different. It’s about telling that moment truthfully.”

Beyond the vocals, Corcoran is focused on capturing Elsa’s emotional journey—a character torn between fear and love, isolation and connection.

“She’s trying to protect Anna, but she also wants to reach out,” she says. “There’s a real tenderness there.”

A cast full of talent

Leading the production alongside Corcoran is Lorna Dennehy as Anna, bringing warmth and energy to Elsa’s fearless sister. The wider principal cast includes Enda Mulchrone as Kristoff, Ethan McNea as Olaf, Jamie Callanan as Hans, and Richard Crumlish himself as the Duke of Weselton.

They are joined by Emma Loscher (Pabbie), Eimear McGovern (Bulda), Niall Conway (Oaken/Bishop), Aoife Kilcullen (Queen Iduna), Michael Coen (King Agnarr), and Paul Singleton as Sven.

At the heart of the story are also the younger versions of the sisters, with Robin Morley-Manning playing Young Elsa and Rhea May Murphy as Young Anna—two performances that promise to bring both charm and emotional depth to the early scenes.

And behind the spectacle and principal roles, a group of young performers adds another layer of magic. The Hidden Folk children—Alanna Gallagher, Lauren Kelly, Aoife Duggan and Meadhbh Ruane—alongside Robin Morley-Manning and Rhea May Murphy, make up six standout young talents in the cast.

A community effort

While the leads may carry the story, Frozen is very much an ensemble effort. This year’s cast includes over 50 performers, ranging in age from 8 to 80.

“It’s incredible,” says Crumlish. “The children are probably the most prepared of all of us—they know everything inside out.”

That mix of generations is part of what makes the society special. It’s not just about performance—it’s about community.

“People come back year after year because they enjoy it,” Crumlish adds. “It’s a great way to spend the winter—meeting people, having a laugh, creating something together.”

That sense of camaraderie extends behind the scenes too, with a dedicated production team led by director Alan Greaney, musical director Shane Farrell and choreographer Aoife McClafferty—all seasoned figures in Ireland’s musical theatre scene.

Playing the villain (sort of)

Crumlish himself will take to the stage this year as the Duke of Weselton—a pompous, comedic antagonist.

“I’ve only played a ‘baddie’ once before,” he says with a laugh. “But I really enjoyed it. Someone has to do the dirty work.”

Balancing that role with his responsibilities as chairman adds another layer of pressure—but one he embraces.

“It’s a privilege,” he says. “There’s a lot to coordinate, especially in the final week. But once the curtain goes up, it’s all worth it.”

More than just a show

For audiences, Frozen promises spectacle—music, humour, drama and visual effects. But for those involved, it represents something deeper.

“I just hope people feel the magic,” Corcoran says. “And the joy that we all feel being part of it.”

That joy is something Ballinrobe Musical Society has been cultivating for over 80 years—through changing times, evolving productions and generations of performers.

And if Crumlish has his way, that tradition isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

“I’d challenge anyone to come and not leave entertained,” he says. “It’s a feel-good show. You’ll leave with a smile on your face.”

Frozen: The Musical runs from April 5–11 at Ballinrobe Community School, with nightly performances and a special Sunday matinee. Tickets are already selling fast—and if early demand is anything to go by, Arendelle won’t be the only place buzzing with excitement this spring.

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Pictured above are the Frozen cast - Back row (left to right): Joanne Heskin, Alison Dean, Oisín McGovern, Tommie Heneghan, Richard Crumlish, Catriona Geraghty, Sarah McNicholas, Des Treacy, Sinead Clarke, Ann Marie Tyrrell, Niall Conway, Lisa Murphy, Jamie Callanan, Enda Mulchrone, Micheal Coen, Paul Singleton, Maxwell Smales. Third row (left to right): Lizzie Ord, Roisín Webb, Susan Mullin, Majella Gardiner, Elaine Kennedy, Peter McGuinn, Eimear Philbin, Bernie Maye, Úna Loughran, Ger Bailey, Thérèse Morley, Maria Hobson, Freddie Yarnell, Anne McGovern, Anna Egan, Colette Concannon. Second row (left to right): Michelle Conroy, Emma Denning, Sarah Corcoran, Lorna Dennehy, Aoife Kilcullen, Emma Loscher, Leah Jennings, Jennifer Hughes, Karina Jakubowska, Naomi Derrig, Rose Murphy. First row (left to right): Debbie Sevcik, Marian Denning, Nicole Denning, Erika Flynn, Alanna Gallagher, Meadhbh Ruane, Lauren Kelly, Aoife Duggan, Maria Gallagher, Rachel Hetherington, Alanah Joyce. Absent from picture: Ethan McNea, Eva Gallagher, Rhea May Murphy, Robin Morley-Manning, Tara Duffy, Eimear McGovern. Pic: Trish Forde.