Cheque presentation L-R Claire Gilsenan, North Midlands CU, Pat Cornally, Chapter 15 CU, Sinead Handy, Fun House Theatre Company, Professor Humphrey O’Connor, Chairperson of Offaly Hospice, Joe Flanagan, Moate CU and Yvonne Craig, North Midlands CU.

'Nude' calendar launch to raise funds for Offaly Hospice

Geraldine Grennan

Published: Tue 9 Apr 2024, 12:00 PM

Last updated: Tue 9 Apr 2024, 2:22 PM

A unique 'Nude' calendar which was created by members of the local community in advance of Fun House Theatre Company's upcoming production of 'Calendar Girls the Musical" in Tullamore, is to be launched next weekend.

The calendar launch will take place in the Old Warehouse, Tullamore on Saturday, April 20 next, from 8pm and promises to be a fun night for all. Adding to the fun will be a waxing auction fundraiser, where members of the public will be able to inflict a bit of pain on some well-known local faces who are donating their hair to raise funds for Offaly Hospice.

The Fun House Theatre Company has partnered with Offaly Hospice on the staging of 'Calendar Girls the Musical' and is encouraging audiences to support this vital local service through various collaborative fundraisers and collections.

The 'Nude' calendar will form part of the fundraising for Offaly Hospice, along with a number of exclusive prints by Emma Campbell Artist, with both the calendar and the artistic prints being available for purchase.

Fun House Theatre Company will present its first musical production "Calendar Girls the Musical" at the esteemed Esker Arts Centre, Tullamore, from the 1st to the 5th of May.

This captivating production is inspired by the heartwarming 2003 film "Calendar Girls," which featured renowned actresses Helen Mirren and Julie Walters. The story was beautifully adapted for the theatrical stage by Tim Firth in 2008 and made its musical debut in 2015, enriched by the musical genius of Gary Barlow.

Under the direction of the Aims award-winning Pat McElwain, the show boasts a remarkable ensemble cast drawn from the vibrant Midlands region. The production's dynamic movement is choreographed by Chris Corroon, with Shane Farrell leading as the musical director. Highlighting local talent, the show stars Jay Origan, Amanda Cunningham, and Sinead Handy — names well-known and loved by local theatregoers.

Amanda Cunningham, who plays the role of Annie in the Fun House Theatre Company's upcoming production of 'Calendar Girls the Musical' in Esker Arts Centre, Tullamore

The Midlands group of Credit Unions, including St. Brigid's Credit Union in Clara, have also lent their support to the Fun House Theatre Company's first musical production, and this collaboration will also contribute to the creation of the new Midlands Hospice in Tullamore, which is set to serve the communities of Offaly, Laois, Longford, and Westmeath.

Jay Origan, who takes on the role of Chris in the upcoming production of 'Calendar Girls the Musical' in Esker Arts Centre, Tullamore

There will be six performances of 'Calendar Girls the Musical' from May 1 to 5 next, including a matinee performance on Sunday afternoon, May 5 at 2pm.. Tickets are available on the Esker Arts website www.eskerarts.ie. Early booking is advisable.