Vocals: Performed by American actresses and singers, Ms Kristin Chenoweth and MsIdina Menzel from the Musical “WICKED“. [Book by Winnie Holzman].
Lyrics: American musical composer and theatre lyricist, MrStephen Lawrence Schwartz.
For Good
I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason, Bringing something we must learn, And we are led to those who help us most to grow, if we let them, And we help them in return. Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true, But I know I’m who I am today because I knew you. Like a comet pulled from orbit, as it passes the sun. Like a stream that meets a boulder, halfway through the wood. Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better, But because I knew you, I have been changed for good. It well may be that we will never meet again, in this lifetime, So, let me say before we part, So much of me is made of what I learned from you. You’ll be with me, Like a handprint on my heart and now whatever way our stories end, I know you have rewritten mine, by being my friend. Like a ship blown from its mooring, by a wind off the sea. Like a seed dropped by a sky bird in a distant wood. Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better, But because I knew you, because I knew you, I have been changed for good. And just to clear the air, I ask forgiveness for the things I’ve done, you blame me for, But then I guess, we know there’s blame to share, And none of it seems to matter any more. Like a comet pulled from orbit (like a ship blown from its mooring) As it passes the sun (by a wind off the sea) Like a stream that meets a boulder (like a seed dropped by a bird), Halfway through the wood (in the wood), Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better. I do believe I have been changed for the better and because I knew you. Because I knew you. Because I knew you. I have been changed for good.
The Mid-West Region’s premier live entertainment and cultural venue, University Concert Hall (UCH) celebrates its 30th anniversary on Friday evening next, September 29th, with a performance by one of Ireland’s most prestigious orchestras.
Conducted by Joshua Gersen, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra will be accompanied by world-renowned pianist John O’Conor, who was one of the first musicians to perform at UCH.
UCH became the first purpose-built concert hall in Ireland when it was officially opened on the University of Limerick campus in September 1993 by Taoiseach Albert Reynolds T.D. and U.S. Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith.
The 1,038-seat auditorium has since attracted performances from some of the biggest names in entertainment including Johnny Cash and June Carter, James Taylor, Billy Connolly, Leslie Garrett, Van Morrison, The King’s Singers, Albert Hammond, Jimmy Carr, Sir James Galway, Christy Moore and the late Sinead O’Connor.
Ms Judith Woodworth, Chairperson of the UCH Board, said this Friday’s concert is a milestone moment in the venue’s history.
She continued, “We are immensely proud of our role in adding breadth and depth to the cultural life of the Mid-West, and our ongoing work to reflect and promote the longstanding artistic ethos of the University of Limerick by offering a wide range of cultural events and experiences.”
UCH Director Ms Sinead Hope said, “Attracting some of the world’s leading singer songwriters, standup comedians, pantomimes and classical performers to the Mid-West has had a hugely positive impact on the Region’s arts and entertainment sector, as well as the local economy.”
“I was born with a priceless gift, the ability to laugh at the misfortunes of others.” “Australia is an outdoor country. People only go inside to use the toilet, and that’s a recent development.”, Above quotes from the great stand-up and now late comedian, John Barry Humphries (1934-2023).
Television viewers here in Co. Tipperary and indeed far beyond, will be greatly saddened by the news of the death of Australian comedian, actor, author and satirist, Mr John Barry Humphries[Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) & Order of Australia (AO)], who passed away today, aged 89 years.
Mr Humphries was best known for writing and playing his on-stage and television alter egos of Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson.
Although best known to his audiences for his delivery of deliberate irrationality and absurdist humour, Mr Humphries was also a film producer; script writer; a star of London’s West End musical theatre; a writer and a landscape painter.
His alter egos of the lilac-rinsed haired Dame Edna Everage evolved over a forty year period, latter to become a satire of stardom; while his portrayal of an inebriated, boorish, loud-mouthed, uncouth and uncultured, ‘cultural attaché to the Far East’, in the character of Sir Les Patterson, over the past 30 years became a regular feature in his solo theatrical appearances, both in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Having entertained on stage and screen for over 70 years, we understand that Mr Humphries tripped on a rug, while reaching for a book, back in February, latter resulting in him requiring surgery at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. He had been readmitted to hospital just this week, yet despite his accident, he had fully expected to be back and fighting fit within weeks, but sadly he never recovered.
His passing means the loss of one of our all-time great stand-up comedians.
Sadly, we wake up to news of the death, yesterday, of the well-known and much loved comedian, television and radio presenter, actor, drag queen and writer Mr Paul O’Grady, MBE DL. [Order British Empire – Deputy Lieutenant]. Mr O’Grady achieved notability in the London gay scene in the 1980s and 1990s, with his drag queen persona “Lily Savage”.
Mr O’Grady dropped the latter character in the 2000s, to become the presenter of various television and radio shows, including the much loved ‘The Paul O’Grady Show’.
Born to a working-class Irish migrant family, [Father Paddy Grady Co. Roscommon & mother Molly Savage latter with strong Co. Louth connections], in Tranmere, Cheshire, Mr O’Grady moved to London in the late 1970s, initially working as a travelling care officer for Camden Council. He developed his drag act in the late 1970s, basing his character “Lily Savage” upon traits found amongst female relatives.
Touring England, Mr O’Grady became a popular stand-up comedian in the early 1980s and for the next eight years performed at a South London gay pub, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern (RVT), where he gained a popular following among London’s gay community, and used his character to speak out for gay rights.
Having being nominated for a ‘Perrier Award’(now known as Dave’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards), in 1992, Mr O’Grady attracted mainstream attention, making numerous television, radio, and theatrical appearances.
Later as “Lily Savage”, he presented the television shows The Big Breakfast (1995–1996), Blankety Blank (1997–2002), and Lily Live! (2000–2001), earning various awards and becoming a well-known public figure.
Additional television shows included Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs, Paul O’Grady’s Animal Orphans and Paul O’Grady’s Great British Escape (2020). He published several books, including a four-volume memoir.
Mr O’Grady was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2008 – Birthday Honours list for his services to entertainment. In 2020, he became president of the British Music Hall Society.
Sadly yesterday, March 28th, 2023, Mr O’Grady passed away “unexpectedly but peacefully” aged 67 years. His death was confirmed by his husband, Mr André Portasio.
The 50 years old Thurles Drama Group were accorded a very enthusiastic standing ovation at the conclusion of Conor McPhearson’s “The Seafarer”, in a packed St. Michael’s Community Centre Holycross, last week.
It was a truly sterling and hugely entertaining production that last Sunday night saw them scoop the awards for Best Production (The Tipp FM Trophy) presented by Geraldine O’Neill to Johnny Fogarty; Best Tipperary Play (Dr. Morris Cup), Most Entertaining Play (Hannifin Trophy) and Best Producer (Frank Gleeson Award) to Margaret McCormack Purcell.
The Tipperary Star cup for Best Play in the Confined Category went to Harvest Moon (“God of Carnage”) and Stephen Gleeson of the Tipperary Star was present.
Thurles, who have appeared in eight All-Irelands at Athlone had qualified for this year’s All-Ireland also in Athlone, with four festival wins achieved before Holycross. And this may not be the end of the Thurles success story. The national finals will be held in late April or early May.
The nine top groups who competed were from as far away as Lifford in Donegal and Rossmore in West Cork and a number of top thespians with professional experience were present in the audience including a member of RTE’s “The Offenders” from Cobh.
So also were many faithful festival fans from all over Tipperary and further afield. Festival Director for the last 40 years, Mr Donal Duggan, paid tribute to these great amateur theatre folk for their dedication; people he said who all have jobs to go to in the mornings after the show and after along journey for many miles through the nights and mornings for months from October onwards.
The Festival committee in Holycross also had dedicated much time and effort into organizing this wonderful festival the only one of its kind in County Tipperary. The Adjudicator, whose insightful remarks were appreciated by discerning and theatre loving audiences, was Mr Peter O’Driscoll. He was an actor, designer, and director with Strand Players and many other companies.
The hard working committee, who deserve to be congratulated on their trojan efforts, comprised of Very Rev. Celsus Tierney (President), Donal Duggan (Festival Director), Tommy Lanigan (Chairman), Claire Ryan (Secretary), Maudie Bourke and Tommy Lanigan (Joint Treasurers), Geraldine O Neill (PRO), Marty O’Neill and Ger O’Dwyer (sponsorship), Diana Lacey (Raffle), Marty O’Neill and Paddy Connolly (Technical), and Marie Spillane, Peg Ryan Elaine O’Dwyer, Andy Slattery (Committee).
The Sub Committee comprised of Jack Henchion, John Glasheen, Aishling Henchion, Gerry Kennedy, Derek Doherty and Jim Fin.
The popular festival continues to attract many loyal fans and also new faces including Presentation Thurles secondary school teacher Deborah Harty.
What Splendid entertainment we had in the picturesque village from Ireland’s top theatre groups performing top plays from tragedy to comedy.
It is also a great social occasion when friendships are formed or renewed. It is one of the most convivial occasions of the year and, of course, the tea breaks and Diana Lacey’s raffles for splendid prizes are all an integral part of the occasion always.
The large attendances included Archbishop (Emeritus) Dermot Clifford, a faithful festival fan, Denis Carroll Clonoulty, Tom Purcell Littleton, Josephine O’ Gorman Thurles, Mary Moore Thurles, Pat Maher Freighduff Cashel, Nora Maher Thurles, Martin Fitzgerald Holycross, Michael and Mary Blake Thurles, John Quinlan and friends Moyne, Comedian Tim Curran Thurles, top actresses Patricia Lowry and Jacqui Lacey Thurles and Cashel.
Other Awards. GALLAGHER AWARD – for most promising actor/actress – Siobhain Corcoran Helen (“The Cripple of Inishmaan”). BEST SET OVERALL- Josie Slattery Award – (“Blithe Spirit”): Kilmeen D.G. BEST LIGHTING: – Declan McCarthy – (“The Father”): Brideview D.G. BEST SOUND: – Zara Holmes – (“When Elephants Collide”): Lifford Players. 1st ADJUDICATOR AWARD: – For Live Music – (“Playboy of the Western World”): Hinterland. 2nd ADJUDICATOR AWARD : – Allison Murphy as the Maid – (”Blithe Spirit”): Kilmeen.
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