Clare Dunne (Class of 2009) takes to the boards this month in the Irish Premiere of the stage production of , an adaptation of the award-winning children’s book of the same name by Jamila Gavin. This production marks the 50^th anniversary of the Betty Ann Norton Theatre and Agency School.

Clare started in Kindergarten in The Green and left school last year. She is currently studying BESS (Business Economics and Social Studies) in Trinity College. While at school she has taken part in many productions, as well as plays in Belvedere College.

Clare has been directly involved with the Theatre School for nine years, both as a student and as a mentor. Over the years, she has appeared in many productions and competed in Feiseanna. Last year she particularly enjoyed the challenge of juggling the Leaving Cert with mentoring AND completing Grade 8 of the London Guildhall School of Music and Drama exams!

Betty Ann Norton has strong connections with Loreto on The Green. For many years Betty Ann taught Speech and Drama in the school, and produced many of the school’s productions. We congratulate Betty Ann on her Golden Jubilee and for all her theatrical achievements over the years. Countless Loreto girls have passed through her doors over the years, and many feature in the Coram Boy cast including sixth year student Nella Maguire, her sister Daisy (3^rd year), Charlotte O’Reilly and Ellen Walters (both 1^st years).

Coram Boy takes place in the 18th century, yet mirrors modern issues like child-trafficking and family feuds. It follows a range of characters, focusing in particular on two orphans – Toby, saved from an African slave ship, and Aaron, the deserted son of the heir to an estate. Their lives become closely involved in this true and tragic episode of social history.

The play will be on in The Mill Theatre, Dundrum on Wednesday 31^st March and Thursday 1^st April, with an additional performance in The O’Reilly Theatre, Belvedere College on Monday 19^th April.

Tickets are currently available at The Mill Theatre Box Office on 01 296 9340 and from The O’Reilly Theatre on 01 858 6644. (Note: This play is not suitable for young children)

Undertaking Coram Boy has been a remarkable achievement. The intricate plot and complex characters demand commitment and dedication by all the cast and crew, as they present what they hope will be an enjoyable and exhilarating theatrical experience for the audience. Break a Leg, Clare & Co!