By Phil Alley
On Sunday 14th August 2011 the Action on Disability Project proved that charity does indeed begin at home and that even in these tough economic times the general public are still willing to dig deep for a worthy cause. Taking their idea from the hit stage musical and film Mama Mia the group took on the task of creating a Northern Irish version of the script. Of course it featured many hit songs by ABBA and a few other inspired tunes thrown in for good measureThe truly inspiring thing to remember is that this production’s core cast was made up of people with a disability. The backing vocalists led by drama group co-ordinator Joe McNally and a small group from a local dance school the Racha Dance Crew helped things along too, although this was firmly a night for the project group to shine.
With over 800 people in attendance the atmosphere was electric and the tempo just didn’t stop. For the entire hour plus long show the stage was set alight by enthusiastic amateur performers of all ages, who seemed to take to the ominous stage of the Grand Opera House with no nervousness at all. In fact some seem to be destined for a life in that very field, taking to the audience with pleasing routines and song and dance numbers with ease.What was also special was that the group was given the use of the set of the production of Dancing Shoes by that shows Director Martin Lynch. The simple set from the hugely successful George Best musical proving to be a perfect one to suit this tale of a young woman who whilst preparing for her upcoming wedding decided to invite three men to the big day, one of which is her father.
This Northern Irish take on the story went down the stereotypical characterization route to hilarious and moving ends. The popular entertainer, comedian and actor Tim McGarry also volunteered his time to the show and not only opened proceedings up with a short stand-up routine (in character as his Hole In the Wall Gang’s Da), he also popped up for a spot of Irish dancing and played a vital part in the shows comedy finale.
Mummy Mia may have started off as a gamble of sorts by McNally and Co. but for a group formed four years ago with some highly successful West Belfast Festival appearances amongst others under their belts it always seemed destined to succeed. Especially with such an enthusiastic cast and a warm appreciative live audience.After the success of this one-off show, a newly formed working relationship with The Grand Opera House under their belt, and an eager cast and crew itching to get back on stage the sky is the limit for the Action on Disability Project. Here’s hoping they can capitalize on this achievement and maybe even get a longer run next time around. As a profile/fund raising exercise Mummy Mia worked perfectly, although one does believe that even without the 800 plus in attendance, or the generosity of all involved this show was (rightly) all about its cast. They of course proved once and for all that a disability should never hold you back or restrict you achieving your dreams. After all how many of us can say we received a standing ovation on the stage of Belfast’s historic Grand Opera House?The Action on Disability Project aim is to promote the social inclusion of all persons with a disability into the social, leisure, economic and cultural life of their community. The project currently works throughout North, East, South and West Belfast.
