Bringing it all back home

An Ennis woman who has started up her own theatre company will present her debut production next weekend in Glór when the Mad Theatre Company showcases Listen To My Heart.
Sarah Griffin started off singing at an early age with the Friary Choirs and then with Coláiste Muire and from there she joined the Ennis Musical Society (EMS), MOSI Players, Briongloid Drama Group, and the Pantaloons.
The 27-year-old took her love for the arts further when advised by one of her EMS directors, Alan Kinsella, to audition for the Bull Alley Theatre Training College in Dublin. She was successful and trained there for four years, achieving an associate diploma with Trinity Guildhall London. She is now working towards completing her thesis for the licentiate diploma.
Sarah and the Mad Theatre Company’s debut production Listen To My Heart is based on the songs of David Friedman, a name synonymous with Disney.
It tells the stories of five people, their hopes, feelings and relationships, which are all told through song.
“It features some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard. Some of the songs are like a diary entry, like Only My Pillow Knows, or Catch Me and there are some funny songs like I’m Not My Mother and My Simple Wish. The songs will appeal to everyone, and it literally changes so quickly from laughter to tears in a split second,” Sarah outlines.
While she admits that the production is not your typical jazz hands musical, it is a lot of fun and includes every emotion.
She first saw the production at the Gate Theatre in Dublin, and while it is an extremely popular show in America currently it has yet to tour extensively in Ireland. She is hoping that the Mad Theatre Company will help put it on the map beginning with their Ennis production.
There are five others involved in the production including Sarah Brennan, from Kilkenny, Helen O’Donoghue from Athenry, Stephen Rabbette from Clara, County Offaly, Eoghan Fingleton, Portlaoise and Shane Farrell from Tuam, County Galway.
The show takes place in Glór, on Friday.
Sarah teaches with Helen Ball’s Theatro School of Performing Arts and trains with vocal coach John Tucker in London. She has choreographed productions for Roscrea Musical Society, Portlaoise Panto Group, and most recently with Clara Musical Society where she worked on the Irish premiere of Curtains The Musical and last year, their production of Beauty and The Beast. Last year’s production was nominated for seven AIMS awards, and came thrid in the Best Overall Show Category.
Sarah is also encouraging more people to get involved with local drama and theatre groups as it opens up a world of opportunities and possibilities.
“While in Bull Alley, I gained so much experience, both on and off stage. It was compulsory for us to work as stage managers, lighting and sound technicians, make up and costume and I was lucky enough to be assistant director on some productions. There is a great social aspect to theatre and it is a shame more productions aren’t put on and more people don’t get involved. We have a fine theatre here in Ennis and we have a wealth of talent. It is a pity that they aren’t used more all year round,” Sarah explained. 
Anyone interested in getting involved with The Mad Theatre Company can get more information by emailing Sarah at sarahgriffin01@hotmail.com.