Feb 11 2009
Back In Da Day
Okay, so I was never much of a fan of school. In the earlier days, I was a hardworking nerd who got a hard time. In my latter schooldays I was far less interested in my studies and far more interested in ‘chasing skirt’. But there was certainly one side of school that I loved – the shows. Whether it was the talent shows, the musicals or the Christmas cabarets, I loved it.
Again, in the early days I lacked any confidence so would never even consider trying out for parts in the school’s or MYTh (Musical Youth Theatre) Productions’ latest show. I was happy to go along to the matinées and see My Fair Lady, Grease, Jesus Christ Superstar performed by my classmates and be in awe at their talent. It was a thrill to hear the tunes and watch these people I knew so well become different characters on stage. It was captivating.
When I moved schools in 5th year, my life changed completely. I quickly found friends and a confidence to put myself forward for some of the shows. One of my proudest moments was being chosen to host the Christmas Concerts and not only that – I was in three of the acts that were performing. I sang a song I wrote with a friend of mine, I was in a comedy sketch and I supported the wonderful Sarah Gostrangely in her rendition of Rise and Shine (I believe there is a video of this floating around though I have yet to see it). They were the greatest times of my school life.
So, to see that my newfound brother Sean is performing in a school musical was an absolute joy. Last weekend, Lottie and I made out way down to Clare to see Back to the 80’s, a new musical based on some of the best and worst songs from the 80’s – (incidentally, Darragh Doyle was recently in a production in Kilkenny and it’s worth having a look at his post here). As school productions go it was both spectacular and very long. The stamina, talent and confidence these kids have is breathtaking.
One of the stars of the show is recent blogging convert, Dermot. He played the role of the older Corey, a narrator of sorts – the role which Darragh took on also. Some great dancing, impressive singing and outrageous clothing made this show a treat to watch.
It’s true, these kids are incredible now. Do you reckon that it’s because of the reality shows on TV, you know, this idea that you everybody can make it big?
‘We’re all in this together…’
@Major I certainly think that dramatic and creative tendencies are encouraged a lot more now, rather than being quashed as they were in the past. It obviously has its negative side too – the noise of OTT school girls on the DART in the morning is enough to make me consider suicide…no, wait…murder!!
@Ciara Please god no. Are you referring to this pile of crap:
Would you be surprised if I told you that I know every word to every song from that pile of crap?
….and the dance moves…?
@Claire No! No, it would not! 🙁
I swear Im not stalking the other Ciara, I swear! and I totally agree that HSM sucks.
The little girl nerd with the big tails was just so good. I see an acting career ahead for that one!
Great that song is in my head now ! *tuts*
I love the shows at school, always have. It was with great pleasure that I got to host the Christmas Choral concert this year, especially with it being my last year.
It felt really worth while afterward with all the compliments off of everyone 🙂
Other schools always seemed to have fun ones
both primary and secondary were pretty poor for mine though.
Wahey it was so much fun!! Nerds friggin RULE!!
Incidentally, here’s a video!
@Sean It didn’t embed. Can you post the link again?
WOW! What great pictures and set!
I miss Tiffany Houston. I wonder where she is now.
We all need to move with the times…kids these days have a lot more on their minds than you might think, or than we give them credit for. Take this precocious young man…decided he wanted a baby at 12, found a girlfriend 3 years older than him (other 12 year olds just didn’t see things the way he did, and he needed someone who was more on his own intellecual level) and did just that…Magic.
…and the best thing of all…depending on how many times this little genius has to stay back in school he could end up starring in a school play with his own daughter!
Story here
Is it just me or has anyone else notice the obvious direction of the guy’s stare in the bottom photo? #CAUGHT!#
My old secondary school did a production of back to the 80’s this week. I heard it was brilliant and raging I missed it now.
As for that boy with the baby…madness!
Reporter: “what will you do financially?”
Boy: “Whats financially mean?”
Brilliant.
Hope the kid with the great name turns out ok!
I too was that nerd, Darren, sadly without any of the chasing skirt until I got involved in the school production in 5th class and got one of the big roles and ended up snogging 4 of the girls in the chorus.
Ah, the memories.
wtf how have I never seen this post haha
thanks for the kind words darren 🙂
i know you may never see this comment but sure what the heck
@Dermot I see all! I’m like some kind of God……with a blog…