Cork stage school marks two decades on the go with spectacular Opera House show

A CORK stage school celebrated its 20th birthday in style over the weekend, doing what it does best, putting on a show.

Cork Opera House provided the venue for Mallow’s Centre Stage School and its show 20 Years On, bringing together former pupils and teachers from the school, along with current students to perform pieces from each of the school’s productions over the past two decades.

Centre Stage School was established in 2003 by Aideen McAuliffe, and when it began it had one teacher and 12 young drama students.

Nowadays, the school employs 30 teachers and welcomes 1,500 students to classes every week.

Talent

Ms McAuliffe, who is director of the school, said the talent on the Opera House stage at the birthday celebrations had spoken for itself.

“Twenty years ago, my dream for this school was very simple.

“I wanted to create an artistic centre of excellence where young people were part of a positive community who supported and cheered each other on,” she said.

“I am incredibly touched that so many past pupils and staff members came back to join our current students to make tonight so memorable.”

Ms McAuliffe said Centre Stage alumni had travelled from all over Ireland, the UK and Europe to perform in the celebration of their former school.

“It so humbling to see past pupils return from professional jobs on the West End, TV productions, cruise ships, Disneyland, and a host of theatres across the UK and Ireland.

“What a joy to see multiple generations of Centre Stage School pupils all stand in the same room, not to mention how powerful it is for me to see them perform together on the Cork Opera House stage,” she said.