A Tale as Old as Time: Inish Theatre Group’s Beauty and the Beast takes centre stage

Once upon a time and very close to home, a community came together to tell a story of love, kindness, and transformation.

This March, that story comes to life as Inish Theatre Group proudly presents Beauty and the Beast at St Mary’s Hall (Buncrana Cinema).

The much-loved musical will run from Sunday 1st March to Saturday 7th March, with performances on 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th March, totalling six shows. There will be no performance on Monday night.

Audiences are invited to step into a world of magic, music, and heart, as the group extends its enchanting invitation to “Be Our Guest” for a magical run of shows.

Behind the curtain lies a powerful story of dedication and community spirit. The production features a cast of approximately 80 performers, including adults and children from across Inishowen.

This is supported by a wider membership of over 100 people, made up of backstage helpers, parents, supporters, and volunteers, all working together to bring this fairytale to life.

Inish Theatre Group continues to grow year on year, offering a welcoming space for creativity, confidence, and connection.

Giving back has always been central to its mission. Over the years, the group has proudly supported Buncrana Parish, contributing towards the installation of a lift at St. Mary’s Hall; Buncrana’s Children’s Charity, supporting local sick children; and Buncrana First Responders, helping provide defibrillators across Inishowen.

This year, the chosen beneficiary is the Buncrana Community Hospital Patient Comfort Fund, a cause that resonates deeply with everyone involved in the production.

Sean Tolley says everyone involved in Inish Theatre Group knows someone who has been cared for in Buncrana Community Hospital, whether in the past or currently.

“It’s a place that touches every family in Inishowen. For the past three years, we’ve had the privilege of performing in the hospital at Christmas, bringing smiles to patients’ faces. Our children have made Christmas cards and formed meaningful connections with residents, so supporting the Patient Comfort Fund through this show feels incredibly special.”

“It’s a real connection between our children, the elderly, and the wider community.”

Elaina McGinley, Inish Theatre Group, added: “Being part of Inish Theatre Group is about so much more than putting on a show. It’s about belonging, confidence, and community. Watching our children and adults work together, support one another, and give back through this production has been incredibly special. Beauty and the Beast truly reflects who we are as a group, welcoming, inclusive, and driven by heart.”

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Martina Murphy, Manager of Buncrana Community Hospital, said the continued support from Inish Theatre Group has meant “so much to our residents, patients, and staff”.

“Their visits and performances bring genuine joy and comfort. Choosing the Patient Comfort Fund as this year’s beneficiary will make a real difference to patient wellbeing, and we are extremely grateful.”

Inish Theatre Group has extended heartfelt thanks to its sponsors and supporters, whose generosity makes productions of this scale possible.

Adrian McMyler, Inish Theatre Group, said their sponsors are absolutely vital to what they do.

“Without their support, we simply couldn’t put on productions like Beauty and the Beast. Their belief in local theatre and in our community allows us to continue growing, creating opportunities for young people, and supporting causes that truly matter across Inishowen.”

The group extends special thanks to all of its sponsors, as well as Cllr Jack Murray, Cllr Fionán Bradley, Cllr Martin McDermott, and Cllr Joy Beard.

With just three weeks to go until showtime, rehearsals are now in full swing. Cast members are putting in long hours learning music, choreography, and dialogue, while the committee works tirelessly behind the scenes preparing logistics, scheduling, and organisation. Meanwhile, the production team is hard at work on sets, costumes, lighting, and sound to ensure a truly spectacular experience for audiences.

Director Maureen Loughrey Tolley said she’s incredibly proud of everyone involved in the production.

“The dedication, teamwork, and passion shown by our cast, crew, and committee have been outstanding. There is something very special happening within this group, and we cannot wait to share this beautiful show with our audiences.”

Tickets are already selling quickly, and the committee is encouraging audiences to book early. Box Office: Open every night from 7pm at St. Mary’s Hall, from Monday 9th February. Online: Available via TicketSource.

As the countdown continues, Inish Theatre Group invites audiences to experience a fairytale brought to life — not just by magic, but by a community coming together to tell a story that truly matters.