Tipperary woman will join Rebecca Storm in new Irish musical drama

Nicola Ryan from Clonmel will take to the stage with the award-winning West End leading lady, Rebecca Storm, in a brand new Irish musical drama “Letters From The Front”, written by Don O’Connor and Ollie Hennessy.

Fresh from its premiere at Kilkenny’s Watergate Theatre, Nicola and a cast of 35 will play the O’Reilly Theatre, Belvedere College, Dublin 1, from November 21–24.

Set during World War One, “Letters From The Front” is the new Irish musical that has everyone talking since it debuted earlier this year. It tells the emotional tales of three families caught up in the turmoil of World War One. This is a story of young love and sacrifice when the circumstances of an Irish couple, Willie and Eileen, force them to separate when Willie is sent to fight for the British Army at the Western Front.

The only communication keeping the couple’s connection alive is through the heartfelt letters they exchange.

“Letters From The Front” features a stunning orchestral music score and beautiful original songs that underpin the raw emotions of the characters as they navigate the turbulent waters of the Great War.

From haunting melodies that speak to the depths of despair, to uplifting songs that celebrate the strength of the characters, inspired by and based on real letters that were written by soldiers and family members throughout the years 1914-1918, the musical will resonate deeply with audiences.

Nicola Ryan, née Keating, first caught the acting bug in Clonmel as part of the Gable Youth Theatre, run by the late Mary Cummins.

She enjoyed learning about all aspects of theatre, from acting to singing and dancing, under Mary’s watchful gaze.
As with all who passed through her hands, Mary’s infectious love of the stage inspired Nicola to make theatre an important part of her life wherever she went.

Training as a teacher in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, she joined the college’s drama society and after qualifying enjoyed being part of St Mary’s Choral Society’s productions on her return to Clonmel that year.

The White Memorial Theatre holds a special place in her heart as her mother, Terrie Keating, née Burke, had also performed there with St Mary’s Choral Society years earlier.

Moving to Mullingar the following year, Nicola took part in a number of productions in Mullingar Arts Centre, including “The Sound of Music” and “The Factory Girls”.

When she relocated to Kilkenny in 2000, Nicola joined Kilkenny Musical Society and was involved in productions for over ten years, with “Hot Mikado” and “Fiddler on the Roof” ranking among her favourites.

While in Kilkenny she has also taken part in productions with KATS Theatre Group, Kilkenny Pantomime Society, Watergate Productions and the Barnowl Players, where she met her husband Eoin.

She has been part of productions from “Wild Harvest” to “Dancing at Lunaghsa”.

Her two daughters, Mia and Maisy are following in the family footsteps and will join Kilkenny Pantomime Society next January.

Nicola is delighted to be part of the “Letters from the Front” cast.

She is looking forward to the challenges of bringing the production to the O’Reilly Theatre in Dublin and is very excited to be part of a production involving the wonderful Rebecca Storm.