Trustee Report For Newpoint Players April ’24 - April ‘25
As Newpoint moved into its ‘technical’ New Year in April 2024 we were traveling throughout the country with a truly innovative version of In The Shadow Of The Glen with production qualities which demonstrated a group at the height of collective powers.
The good work was returned with a spectacular stream of wins and we qualified for both the Ulster and all-Ireland finals at a very early stage. We won the Ulster Finals but committed a dreadful unintentional faux-pas by not being represented when the awards were handed out. The all-Irelands were the usual grand occasion and on our return for the gala finals’ night we excelled in craic if not trophies. All of these showcase events bring our reputation to greater heights and show a path for our youth to follow and aspire to. It also provides financing for the youth project. Newry, Mourne & Down treated us to an official Council reception to honour our achievements.
During this time we had another outing for The Cripple of Innishmaan in the Sacred Heart School, Sean & Donal appearing at more Joycean events in Rostrevor, a new Russell trial of John Mitchell being staged in the spectacular setting of Newry Courthouse.
Immediately after festivals we started the cycle again with the Summer Show coming to fruition. Barely five years after she left Newpoint Youth to go the College to study Drama, Emma Slater came home to direct The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾, Frances Morgan was the Musical Director. As well as the 30 young actors we had a youth choreographer, lighting designer and costume designer. There were three performances with good box returns. The project was generously sponsored by the Brian Conlon Foundation and Newry, Mourne & Down District Council. In a stunning gesture of support we were not charged for the seven weeks rehearsing in the Town Hall because the hall was open for business during the day anyway. A huge saving for us. While many were involved the director, Emma Slater, stepped up to the mark big-time but the whole project was steered by Mark Hughes.
In a striking new venture we were asked by the author, Aidan McQuade, to provide an audio book to accompany his latest novel. He listened to a few voices and settled on Pauline & Paddy as narrators; Donal recorded and edited the material and much advice was given by Declan McConaghy. All have waived a fee and directed the substantial monies into the Newpoint coffers. It is now available on Audible with a 5* rating!
In November we spoke to post-grad SRC students on producing text for performance; this because we have two superb writers producing new work for us every year.
Once again the professional world came calling and we supplied actors for two adverts for Slackpress Studios with some cash donations to Newpoint. If Christmas starts earlier each year then so do rehearsals for the Festival show. ‘Ghetto’, a show which certainly drew attention politically but, more so, dramatically. With Sean at the helm, the show came on to the boards in February. Once again, we had an influx of new blood, with their fresh talents and some exceptional input from the Youth Group - with their mums!. The show went to festivals in Newtownstewart, Castleblaney, Portadown, Enniskillen, Ballyshannon, Newry, Carrickmore and both finals in
Newtownabbey & Athlone. We are the envy of groups across the country for the talent willing to join us in maintaining the superb tradition that is Newpoint Players.