Standing ovation for unique and outstanding piece of musical theatre in Tipperary

The musical play, In the Midst of Plenty came to the Tipperary Excel on Saturday, July 8, for one night only. Produced by Roscommon-based Enchanted Croí Theatre and written by composer Amy Day, In the Midst of Plenty is a story told through song.

Featuring sixteen specially-composed original folk songs, performed by a brilliant cast and accompanied onstage by acclaimed musicians Neil Fitzgibbon, Grainne Hunt and Jules Stewart, it’s a unique and unforgettable mix of music and drama brought to life a fraught and fascinating period of Irish history.

Set in 1847, the play centres on the remarkable story of Bridget O’Connor, one of the many beleaguered tenants on Roscommon’s Strokestown Estate, as she struggles through the worst ravages of the Great Famine.

Faced with the grim prospect of eviction and imminent starvation, desperate residents are forced to reckon with impossible choices in their seemingly unending struggle for survival, ultimately culminating in a grisly plot to assassinate the estate’s landlord Major Denis Mahon.

Tipperary interest in the production centres on Mary Claire Ryan, a native of Cappawhite, who plays the role of Mary Duffy, a young mother and widow on the Strokestown estate who turns to her community in her time of struggle.

Mary Claire opened the show with the title song In The Midst of Plenty and also performed the poignant Winds of Winter.

In the Midst of Plenty is a powerful, poignant production.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from a musical about the Famine, but it exceeded all expectations with powerful and very moving performances from everyone involved.

The Strokestown famine story was told brilliantly through word, song and music in an emotive piece of theatre which was beautifully written.

The powerful singing and acting enhanced by gifted musicians are equal to any West End show and brought the Famine to the audience in a realistic and emotive way.

This was a wonderful telling of a factual story from the Irish Famine in word song and music.

All of the elements came together to make this a really powerful production, and the enjoyment of the audience was palpable throughout the production and worthy of the standing ovation delivered by them at the end.

It was a unique and outstanding piece of musical theatre that was educational as well as emotional and compelling.

Congratulations to an incredibly talented, professional and passionate cast and best wishes to them all on the remaining dates of their nationwide tour.