Ballinrobe Musical Society prepare to stage Disney production

ONE of Disney’s most popular modern works will come to the west of Ireland when Ballinrobe Musical Society stage ‘Frozen: The Musical’ on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

Featuring hit songs like ‘Let It Go’, ‘Do You Want To Build A Snowman?’ and ‘For The First Time In Forever’, ‘Frozen: The Musical’ brings us to the snowy, northern kingdom of Arendelle, where we are introduced to Elsa, a princess with magical powers to create snow and ice, and her sister Anna. When Elsa’s powers inadvertently plunge the kingdom of Arendelle into eternal winter, Anna sets out to find her sister and save the day.

As well as the much-loved Princess Elsa, ‘Frozen’ features an array of beloved characters such as Olaf the snowman, Sven the reindeer, and other friendly protagonists like Kristoff and Anna.

Since being released on film in 2013, ‘Frozen’ has been seen by tens of millions of people, grossing over $1.2 billion worldwide and generating hundreds of millions of dollars in merchandise sales.

Five years later, a professionally produced musical based on the film hit Broadway. Since then, it has become a global phenomenon, with productions in multiple countries and languages.

Featuring songs from the film and 12 newly-written songs with music and lyrics from Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, ‘Frozen: The Musical’ has won numerous awards, including three Tony nominations for Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical.

Ballinrobe Musical Society will be the first amateur musical society in the west of Ireland to stage Frozen: The Musical - which became available to amateur societies after successful runs on Broadway and London’s West End.

The society were due to stage ‘Michael Collins - A Musical Drama’, a show based on the life of Michael Collins, written by the late Bryan Flynn.

“It was with great regret that we were unable to stage ‘Michael Collins - A Musical Drama’,” said Oisín McGovern, PRO of Ballinrobe Musical Society.

“However, we are absolutely thrilled to be bringing ‘Frozen: The Musical’ to the west of Ireland. We have been blown away by the reaction from the public since we announced this show and cannot wait to start rehearsals again.”

The production team for Ballinrobe Musical Society’s production of ‘Frozen: The Musical’ are Alan Greaney (director), Shane Farrell (musical director), Aoife McClafferty (choreographer) and Kenneth McCarthy (stage manager).

Their latest production marks both a departure and a return for Ballinrobe Musical Society following their highly successful staging of the Disney-inspired ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’, in February 2025, which saw the society nominated for Best Chorus and Best Female Singer (Sarah Corcoran) at this year’s AIMS awards.

“There is something particularly magical about Disney-inspired musicals. We saw that first-hand when we did the Hunchback of Notre Dame, so we are incredibly excited to be bringing Disney back to Ballinrobe with ‘Frozen: The Musical’,” said Aoife McClafferty, Ballinrobe Musical Society’s choreographer since 2007.

“Visually, musically and story-wise, ‘Frozen’ is a stunning piece of musical theatre. We think adults and children of all ages are going to absolutely love this show. If you enjoyed ‘Hunchback’, then you are certainly going to enjoy ‘Frozen’.

‘Frozen: The Musical’ is a breath-taking experience - a swirl of music, colour, and emotion that awakens every sense. Ballinrobe Musical Society will bring it to life with heart, magic, and community spirit, reminding us all why theatre feels like home.

“In a world of snow and shimmering ice, Ballinrobe Musical Society proves that true magic comes from courage, love, and community,” she added.

Ballinrobe Musical Society will be hosting auditions for ‘Frozen: The Musical’ on Sunday, January 11, in Ballinrobe Parish Centre.

The show will take place in Ballinrobe Community School from Easter Sunday, April 5, to Saturday, April 11, 2026.

Those interested in auditioning for a principal role in the show can do so via the booking form available on Ballinrobe Musical Society’s Instagram and Facebook pages, or by emailing ballinrobemusicsociety@gmail.com.

Those interested in being in the chorus for the show may also apply via this booking form. Auditions will not be required for the chorus.