Pupils from Saints and Scholars Integrated Primary School dazzled audiences at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre this week with a polished production of Beauty and the Beast Jr., marking the school’s first-ever musical on a professional stage.
More than 70 children from Primary 4 to Primary 7 took part in the show, which was staged over two performances and met with packed houses, rave reviews and a final-night standing ovation.
The production follows on from the school’s staging of The Wizard of Oz in 2024, which was performed in the school hall. Buoyed by that success, staff and pupils decided to “raise the bar” and give children the chance to perform in a professional venue.
Principal Andrew Scott-Mulholland said the experience had been transformative for the young cast.
“At Saints and Scholars, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to shine,” he said.
“Productions like this give children a chance to discover talents they may never have realised they had, whether that is acting, singing, dancing or simply having the confidence to step onto a stage in front of hundreds of people.
“The standard of the performances was exceptional and we could not be prouder of every pupil involved.”
Auditions were held before Christmas, and pupils have spent months preparing, with cast members taking on principal roles, ensemble parts, singing, dancing and backstage responsibilities. Staff say the process has helped build confidence, teamwork and performance skills across the board.
Both performances were extremely well received, with the evening show selling out and audiences praising the professionalism, energy and overall quality of the production.
As Armagh’s only integrated primary school, Saints and Scholars says it is committed to ensuring every child has the chance to flourish, and that the show reflected its focus on inclusion, creativity and celebrating the unique talents of all pupils.
The school plans to stage its next major production in 2028, operating on a two-year cycle so that every child has the opportunity to take part in two shows during their time in Primary 4 to Primary 7.
Saints and Scholars has paid tribute to the staff, families, volunteers and the team at the Market Place Theatre for their support in making the production such a memorable success.
Beauty and the Beast Jr. was directed by Principal Andrew Scott-Mulholland, along with teachers Aideen O’Braonain and Maria Harrison.
