Variety club beats recession blues

WITH the nation in the grip of recession, and misery stamped on so many lives, how refreshing it was to find a haven of joy, talent, celebration and musical enchantment in the midst of economic doom and gloom.

I’m referring to this year’s variety show in my native town of Callan in Co Kilkenny — an annual event that has brought credit and first-class entertainment not just to the townspeople, but also to folk within a 40 or 50-mile radius who converge in their droves on the town to savour this wonderful occasion.

What a perfect antidote to those recession blues it was to see all those gifted people, ranging in ages from about 12 to 80-something, perform so beautifully on the stage at the local Mercy Convent. Who could think of the budget from hell, the cutbacks, or any of the direful promises of more to come when a magnificent cast were singing of better times, of love and romance, of sunshine and holidays and patriotic deeds.

Or when those nicely choreographed dancing scenes were enacted with a breathtaking artistry and professionalism that one doesn’t see too often in amateur musical or dramatic productions.

And if you still hadn’t shaken off thoughts of the late lamented Celtic Tiger, then the slapstick comedy would cure you of any such broodings.

The hall echoed with laughter when the comedians performed their cleverly-scripted sketches, including a fresh and unusual rendition of a humorous old Irish ballad.

The recession was definitely banished from Callan for those three special evenings, thanks to the exemplary life-enhancing achievement of the variety club.

The club’s accomplishment is really a triumph of community spirit, a force for good that in past national emergencies and recessions got us through the toughest of times.

The fine performances we saw in Callan were the culmination of months of rehearsal during which the veteran members renewed their labour of love and newcomers gained a valuable life experience, apart from having a great time and making new friends.

Over the years people who have been part of the variety show have consistently attested to the way performing on stage boosted their self-confidence and powers of expression.

Every town and village in the country should have its variety club to stage events of the kind that have been so successful here in Callan.

Our club now has another honour to add to its proud list of accolades: the recession-busters.

John Fitzgerald

Lr Coyne Street

Callan

Co Kilkenny