Past Assumption Pupils put on a play for charity.

Ten years ago, a group of lifelong friends decided to mark their 40th birthdays by putting on a play for charity. After months of rehearsals, the Assumption past pupils performed to a sold-out Arts Centre in Downpatrick, raising nearly £3000 for Marie Curie.

Roll on another decade, a lockdown, an approaching big birthday and months of rehearsals and we have another production. The women are performing Steel Magnolias in Assumption on the 26th and 27th November. The director, past pupil and Vice Principal of Assumption explained the reason for treading the boards again,

It was one of those zoom calls during lockdown when we decided to try our hand at putting on a play again. We had always really liked the play, _Steel Magnolias_ and the film version was of course set in the era when our friendships were forged. It is a great play to use as it is an all-female cast but it also suited us and what we were trying to achieve. It is an emotive play with warm, funny characters but it also deals with sensitive subjects such as questionable relationships, living with illness and the loss of a loved one. Moreover, it just seemed so appropriate as it centres on the friendship of six women whose love and humour and solidarity help them through the challenges of life. I think many of us came to recognise the importance of friendship during lockdown and certainly, as a group, we feel very fortunate to share such a strong bond.

We wanted to celebrate that and also remember our dear friend and past pupil, Sonia Kinsella, who died of cancer last year. When we think of her strength and her courage and more importantly, her optimism, this play seemed so appropriate. We hope it pays tribute to Sonia as I think the sentiments this play evokes were embodied in that remarkable lady. The play celebrates the strength of female friendship and the incredible support women experience from each other. I think our audiences will find themselves laughing one minute and crying the next.

I am so proud of what has been achieved; not only in the fact we havent fallen out despite the difficulties you face when you are trying to work with friends but also the time these busy women have devoted to learning lines and rehearsing while working full time and coping with family responsibilities. It has been hard work but I truly feel audiences will really enjoy the performance.

We decided to once again raise money for Marie Curie as many of us experienced the care of these amazing women when our own parents were dying. In addition, as a way of showing our gratitude to our Alma Mater, (the place where these friendships were born) we wanted to raise money for the Assumptions sister schools in South Africa who really need our help. These schools struggle financially anyway but they are experiencing great challenges during lockdown. The money we raise will make a huge difference to many lives there, allowing girls to get access to education and to be offered a meal each day. The provision offered to these students in South Africa can make all the difference to their future.

It is wonderful to see the fruition of all our hard work that all stemmed from a conversation during lockdown and that will hopefully benefit others in different ways.

To purchase a ticket for the production, please click on the following link : https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/steel-magnolias-tickets-203335791827

Tickets are £10 each with all proceeds being divided between the two charities. For those unable to make it, can still donate by going to the JustGiving Page.