This year’s Creative Show presents A Night on the Town on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 March 2025 in The Lime Tree Theatre at 7.30pm. This will be the thirteenth Creative Show and we are delighted to be back at The Lime Tree Theatre after sold out shows at Belltable, in previous years. Limerick Youth Theatre and AVISTA have worked tirelessly to stage The Creative Show. Writing a new script from scratch, working with hundreds of singers, dancers, musicians and actors involving school choirs, arts organisations and independent practitioners, this family friendly variety show incorporates live performances and short films. It takes three months of laughter, sweat and tears to make The Creative Show happen and what is truly remarkable about the collaboration is its ability to bring out the best in all who participate.
It’s Saturday night in Limerick City and the town is buzzing. Follow the people of Limerick as they enjoy a night on the town. Stag and hen parties, gorgeous grannies hoping to win big at the bingo, students in their Christmas jumpers! A blind date, will it go well, or will it be a disaster? Let’s not forget the couple celebrating their anniversary just hoping the babysitter doesn’t call! Will it be Murder on the Dance floor or will this party go on All Night Long. In the end, the hope is that the queue for taxis isn’t too long.
Angie Smalis, Artistic Director of LYT says: Angie Smalis, Artistic Director of LYT says; ‘The Creative Show has become the highlight of LYT’s yearly programming. I am privileged to be able to co-produce this innovative and inclusive project and be part of the creative process by choreographing its dance elements. It is a hands-on process and we all learn from each other. Not only has the professional team been focusing on creating and presenting artistic work, they have been extremely generous sharing their knowledge, expertise and resources.
She adds: ‘… A Night on the Town is my thirteenth personal reminder of why I chose a career in the performing arts and I feel privileged to be able to witness the personal growth of everyone involved, the lifelong friendships that are developed and the enhanced quality of life that results from being part of an artistic family. The Creative Show is much more than a performance; it is an opportunity to belong together! We all look forward to welcoming you to Lime Tree Theatre and we hope that you will dance and sing along!’
Michael Hunt, TEES Day Services Manager, AVISTA said: ‘This marvellous show A Night on the Town is a highlight of the calendar for the people we support in the Avista Training, Education and Employment Services. It is a fantastic opportunity for each participant to be actively involved in a creative and inclusive venture. This is thirteenth Creative Show and it continues to thrive. Everybody’s commitment to rehearsals is highly commended. Limerick Youth Theatre production team and crew are fantastic in nurturing talent and confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Each person participating are flourishing in this production and in a great atmosphere of artistic connection and belonging. We all are looking forward to performing and welcoming you to The Lime Tree Theatre.’
The Creative Show presents A Night on The Town
Shows: Wednesday 19 & Thursday 20 March 2025 @ 7.30pm
Venue: The Lime Tree Theatre
Ticket: €15
Concessions: €12 for under 18s
Box Office: 061 953 400/www.limetreebelltable.ie
Creative Team
Myles Breen, Angie Smalis, John Hogan, Dominik Kosicki, Alex Broghan, Carole Malone, Lauren White, Kerrie Ahern, Eloise Hickey, Francesca Walshe, Andy Connolly, Alina O’Shaughnessy, Orestis Smalis, Lorraine Ryan, Lorna Ní Bhroin, Louise Burke, Susanne O’Connor, Rose Servitova, Katy Hewison, Stuart Mackey
Who are the performing groups?
AVISTA (formerly known as The Daughters of Charity Service) was the first to establish day services in Limerick City for adults with intellectual disabilities. The goal of each centre, in keeping with HSE New Directions, is through a person centred approach in supporting the holistic development of each individual. The overall aim of this collaboration is to develop sustainable networks and build links in the individual’s local community. The first strand of this collaboration was achieved by introducing individual’s from Avista to LYT members and creating an environment that nurtured inclusion through a rich tradition of theatre and its contemporary practices. The second strand was establishing a culture of working in tandem with like-minded people from all backgrounds, crossing social and cultural divides, sharing ideas, and building friendships.
Limerick Youth Theatre (LYT) is a company of young performers, dancers, writers, designers, directors, producers and film-makers, located in Limerick. LYT was set up in 1997 with a vision of providing a unique opportunity for young people from all backgrounds to cross social/cultural divides through youth drama experiences. It runs a two-year training course in theatre and performing arts.
Music Generation (Limerick) Music Generation is Ireland’s National Music Education Programme that transforms the lives of children and young people through access to high quality performance music education in their locality. Through partnership, we create rich and diverse ways for participants to engage in vocal and instrumental tuition delivered by skilled professional musicians, across all musical genres and styles. Initiated by Music Network, Music Generation is co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Department of Education and Skills and Local Music Education Partnerships.
Ardscoil Rís A holistic education is the core principle of life in Ardscoil Rís where the highest of academic expectations are balanced with a broad co- and extra-curricular programme for our students. As befits a Christian Brothers’ school, under the trusteeship of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust (ERST), a strong Christian ethos is central to life here in Ardscoil Rís. We strive to have the values of the Edmund Rice tradition fully realised in our students, as they journey towards independence and finding their place in society as fully-rounded young men.
Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ Formerly known as Laurel Hill Convent, is an Irish Roman Catholic secondary school for girls, situated in Limerick. The aim of our school is to co-operate with parents in fostering the full and balanced development of the girls entrusted to our care so that each one may realise and bring to fulfilment her own special talents and unique personality.
Thomond Community College Established in 2016 under the trusteeship of the Limerick and Clare Education & Training Board. Thomond Community College is a multi-denominational, co-educational school and is an Amalgamation of the Salesian Secondary School, established in 1955 and St. Nessan’s Community College, established in 1978. Thomond Community College is a Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board multidenominational and co- educational post-primary school.
Inclusive Dance Club An inspiring creative dance DL Bridge project, led by dance artist Katy Hewison, collaborating with local dance artists, designed for young people aged 7-16yrs with a disability. This project enables participants to learn new dance skills and gain a sense of belonging to a group. It is an opportunity for them to carry out a dance activity in an out of school environment, making new friends and meeting new role models that understand and support their needs. Classes are led following children’s interests, energy and creative ideas and children dance 1-1 with artists and peers, along with group activities, rest time and reflective drawing.