This year’s Creative Show presents ShamStory De Real History of Limerick on Wednesday 22 & Thursday 23 March 2023 in Belltable at 7.30pm. This is a special year for the show as it celebrates its tenth birthday and we are delighted to bring it back since its cancellation in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Every year for the past decade the two organisations 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, a family friendly variety show is staged at Belltable or Lime Tree Theatre. It takes three months of laughter, sweat and tears to make this happen but what is truly remarkable about the collaboration is its ability to bring out the best in all who participate.
Writer and director, Myles Breen says; ‘Over the last ten years The Creative Show has travelled in space, in time, visited magical lands and last year we spent one day in Limerick City. This year we give you 10,000 years of Limerick history but with a twist. ShamStory is the history told by a Limerick couple, Sham and Shacinta. The pair will try to explain Saint Munchin’s curse, whether King John ever visited Limerick and why the Flight of the Earls was a disaster. Other remarkable events like the Pope’s Visit and Munster beating the All Blacks all told by the people who were there! – ‘It’s all true Sham!’’
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 have the professional teams been focusing on creating and presenting their artistic work, they have been extremely generous sharing their knowledge, expertise and resources. ‘ShamStory, De Real history of Limerick’ is my tenth personal reminder of why I chose a career in the performing arts, it challenges and teaches all involved to be patient, understanding, inclusive and respectful of people’s abilities and needs. It is a tribute to our city, to its people and to its history. We all look forward to welcoming you to Belltable and we hope that you will dance and sing along!’
Donal Sherlock, Manager of AVISTA said that 2023 is a very special year for the Creative Show. It is our tenth year Creative Show anniversary. Each year The Creative Show goes from strength to strength with increased recognition and participation from the local community. The production team’s ongoing effort and commitment over months of rehearsals is heartwarming and greatly appreciated.
The Creative Show’s success is a wonderful endorsement of all involved and recognition of the artistic ability of the cast and crew. Over the last ten years its success has surpassed all my expectations. The show provides the nurturing environment which encourages personal growth, builds confidence, and promotes each person’s unique talents in the performing arts. The commitment and involvement from all has further strengthened our creative family and promoted acceptance, tolerance, play, humour, and laughter for all who participate.
Donal and Angie added; ‘We are 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.’
The Creative Show presents ShamStory De Real History of Limerick
Shows: Wednesday 22 & Thursday 23 March 2023 @ 7.30pm
Venue: Belltable
Ticket: €15
Concessions: €10 for under 18s
Box Office: 061 953 400/www.limetreetheatre.ie
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.
Coláiste Nano Nagle A Christian community school which welcomes students in the tradition of Nano Nagle, foundress of the Presentation Order. A primary aim of the school is the pursuit of academic excellence, seeking to develop the full potential of each person; intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social, physical and creative. To achieve this the school strives to provide an educational environment suited to the needs of each individual, within the demands of a changing world.
Lumen Street Theatre Company was established in 2016 to bring street spectacle to Limerick city. Its aim is to engage with the community and public through workshops; performances and the creation of street theatre by working closing with existing ensembles, arts organisations and community groups.