RAPTUROUS cheers and thunderous applause seemed to lift the roof off The Ardhowen Theatre after the members of Fermanagh BrightStarz had performed their first-ever musical stage production, ‘A Summer Romance’.

It was the first time for a full-length musical production to be staged by a cast consisting of people with a learning disability or autism at The Ardhowen Theatre.

Such was the anticipation of the show, which took place on Saturday, that tickets sold out one month early!

‘A Summer Romance’ was an unforgettable rockin ‘n’ rollin’ musical about the holiday romance between a shy goodie-goodie girl and a bad boy ‘leader-of-the-gang’.

The audience were on their feet from the word go, dancing and singing along to hit classics, including Single Ladies, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and Over the Rainbow, and reaching fever pitch with Greased Lightning, Hand Jive and Suspicious Minds.

Director, Pearse McCloskey, praised the cast and volunteers.

He said: “The cast and volunteers have made themselves, their families, friends and the community very proud.

“They truly excelled on the night and produced a breathtaking performance.

“They were, to put it simply, brilliant!

“It’s a real pity that a mainstream audience couldn’t witness this incredible inspirational performance.

“It would be great for the community if we could break down “disability barriers” by seeing shows like this from time to time.

“It’s as uplifting, funny, engaging and enjoyable a show as you are likely to see at The Ardhowen.”

In her end-of-show speech, the BrightStarz chairwoman, Patricia Goan, thanked the many people who together contributed to the success of the show.

She said: “So many people, all volunteers, had an important role to play in the success of this production, from the beauticians, costume makers, prop makers, stage crew, prompters, on-stage assistants, ticket and programme sellers, and not least the amazing enthusiastic audience who lifted and carried the cast from beginning to end.”

She also thanked the many small businesses who contributed prizes for the raffle.

The chairwoman added: “It was a night not to forget!”

The Fermanagh BrightStarz are inviting new members to join them now in preparation for the next musical production in 2017.

BrightStarz are a voluntary-run theatre company in Enniskillen, who, through music, dance and drama, aim to promote integration, self-expression, creativity and personal growth for people with learning disabilities.

The programme is delivered weekly on a Tuesday evening at the Enniskillen Hotel from 7pm to 8.30pm.

For further information about the Fermanagh BrightStarz, contact Lilian on 07834 608052.