Julie Helen: 'I am so proud of Ricky for taking it all in his stride'

The excitement was fierce as we made our way to the theatre in Rossmore for Ricky’s first-ever stage debut. He has been attending Theatre Tricks Drama and Communications since September and bounces in the door every Monday after school, ready for his class and ready for action.

Then, in November, rehearsals started to ramp up for a production of Shrek In The Hood, a blend of the story of Shrek the green ogre with a smattering of Robin Hood thrown in with a host of other characters, giving all ages, classes and levels their time to shine.

Ricky was in three group pieces with his classmates. The youngest contributors, they did a song, a poem and a dance. They definitely added the cuteness factor to everything, but it was really much bigger and more important than that. Ricky had a role in a collective piece of work and everybody needed to do their bit for everything to run smoothly.

Older cast members mentored the younger ones, they learn camaraderie and togetherness and a confidence to give things a try. Walking out on stage with chaos and lights and sets, props costumes and microphones is a courageous thing to do. Nobody froze and we could hear supportive whispers if someone needed a hand. Then there was the whole aspect of following instructions and doing what is expected.

Ricky was asked not to bring a coat backstage as space was tight. He delighted in reminding me he should just bring the bare minimum, and he was all business getting his jeans and socks ready so they would be just perfect. The cast waited backstage for their parts in the performance and that was probably the biggest learning for Ricky. He now understands that there’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes and there can be a lot of waiting around and being patient before you get those glorious moments quite literally in the spotlight.

When Ricky was on stage for the first time, I could see him scanning the audience, trying to find his familiar faces and his face lit up when he found us. He didn’t wave or break what he was supposed to be doing, but I knew he had spotted us. There were times where he looked unsure of what was next and other times when he was in full flow. I am so proud of him for taking it all in his stride. He was absolutely buzzing afterwards and I was a little envious of the feeling bursting from all the kids. The relief, the triumph, the fun.

Susan Collins Duggan, who runs Theatre Tricks, did a phenomenal job at pulling it all together and she had a great team around her. I am very grateful for Theatre Tricks in our community. It gives young people a chance to express themselves beyond sport and build confidence and friendships in equal measure. I could already see young people of all ages, chatting away with Ricky, he already has his gang.

There were some incredible young people on stage. I admire them all for having the guts to wear costumes, sing, dance, be silly and serious and give it their all. There was even a star or two, but they all had the extra glint in their eye of being part of something special.

Nothing would satisfy Ricky but to have John Daly chips after, smothered in ketchup, by way of celebration for all his efforts. He went to bed extra late, thrilled and looking forward to the production next year already.