News

Féile Ardáin 2026 - Lady of Hecate News: update

Posted On 18th Dec 2025
Posted By Musical
Author LAURA-ROSE KERR (Secretary)

 Something wicked this way rocks… 

Drum roll please… 
As we start to look ahead to the year to come, with fresh ideas brewing and creative sparks already flying, we are so excited to share one of the projects we have been bursting to talk about. Féile Ardáin is a space where originality thrives and bold storytelling is celebrated and this year, MUMS is bringing something truly powerful to the stage.

After months of writing, planning and dreaming, we are delighted to officially announce our Féile Ardáin submission for 2026:

LADY OF HECATE

Set within the world of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Lady of Hecate is a feminist retelling that shifts the spotlight onto the witches of the kingdom and the women who operate behind the scenes of power. Dark, witty and unapologetically bold, this original show explores ambition, manipulation, identity and the cost of power, all underscored by a high-energy rock-inspired score. It is a story that embraces chaos, challenges tradition and asks who truly controls the narrative.

This show is daring.
This show is fierce.
This show is going to ROCK.


The Creative Team

Director & Writer – Emma Moran

“Hi guys! I am absolutely thrilled to be MUMS Director and Writer for our Féile Ardáin submission of Lady of Hecate! I am so passionate about this show and can't wait to see our vision come to life.”

Co-Musical Director – Aaron Viera Kelly

“Hey guys! My name is Aaron and I’m super excited to be able to share our vision for Féile — I hope yous are as excited as I am!”

Co-Musical Director – Will Cooper

“Hey guys! I can’t wait to getd on this year’s Féile Ardáin show! It’s going to be so much fun.”

Choreographer – Emma Malone

“Hey guys! I’m so excited to be choreographer for this year’s Féile Ardáin. I cannot wait to see this fantastic show brought to life — we are all so looking forward to seeing the talent MUMS has to offer!”

Producer – Annie Bolger

“Hello everyone! I feel so giddy and excited to be working with this team and producing this fabulous original submission of Lady of Hecate. It’s going to be a spookytastic journey and I hope you’ll all join us — because this show is going to SLAP!! Can’t wait for Lady of Hecate to take the Féile Ardáin stage in March 2026.” 

Character Descriptions

Lady Macbeth
Soprano Belter
Born for royalty and driven by ambition, Lady Macbeth craves power and will stop at nothing to achieve it. She soon becomes aware that she shares a deeper connection with the witches and takes on her role as the Lady of Hecate with pride. Highly intelligent and manipulative, she controls Macbeth while simultaneously being manipulated herself. Strong acting is required to convey her internal struggle with identity, ambition and the chaos she helps unleash.

Hecate
Mezzo-Soprano Belter
The eldest and wisest of the witches, Hecate is the leader of the coven. Her name derives from the Greek goddess of witchcraft, and she thrives on manipulating others to join her pursuit of power. Having already ensnared Seline and Tabitha, she sets her sights on Lady Macbeth. This role requires strong acting to fully embody her wicked, commanding presence.

Seline
Mezzo-Soprano Belter
The most promiscuous of the witches, Seline’s life before Hecate was filled with affairs and excess. Beneath her bold exterior lies insecurity and jealousy, particularly in her relationship with Hecate. Strong comedic acting is required.

Tabitha
Mezzo-Soprano Belter
The simplest-minded of the witches, Tabitha is utterly foolish and has no understanding of right or wrong. Completely devoted to Hecate, she exists in a state of awe and blind loyalty. Strong comedic acting is required.

Macbeth
Baritone Rock Singer
Utterly dull, foolish and deeply misogynistic, Macbeth is vain and self-absorbed. He believes himself fortunate after killing King Duncan and is attracted to Lady Macbeth, though he constantly dismisses her. Strong comedic acting is required.

The Guards
All Vocal Types
Energetic and free-spirited, the guards suspect that Lady Macbeth is the true culprit behind the chaos. They act as frontmen for ensemble numbers and featured singing moments. Strong comedic acting is required.

King Duncan / Ladies in Waiting / Men of the Court
All Vocal Types
Featured dancers and ensemble members who help bring the world of the court to life.

 

Official Cast List

Lady Macbeth – Lauren McLoughlin
Macbeth – Liam Folan
Hecate – Annie Bolger
Tabitha – Scarlett McCormack
Seline – Bláthnaid Molloy
Guards – Tommy Condemi, Ryan Allen & Ben Glennon
King Duncan – Sean Young

Ensemble

Niamh Cassidy (Dance Captain)
Saidhbh Harte (Featured Dancer)
Áine McGlynn (Featured Dancer)
Lily Grace Gallagher (Featured Dancer)
Finn Crehan (Featured Dancer)
Aidan O’Neill (Featured Dancer)
Tiegan Robb (Music Captain)
Dorothy Toye (Featured Singer)
Amelia Ryan (Featured Singer)
Lydia Hunt (Featured Singer)
Anna Miller (Directional Captain)
Millie Morrison
Ailbhe Duffy
Sasha O’Brien Phillips
Saraid Hartnett

Instrumentalists

Anna Hackett (Instrumental Captain)
Mik Kozakiewicz

 

Lady of Hecate is everything we love about Féile Ardáin: original, fearless and unapologetically creative. With an incredible creative team, a powerhouse cast, and a story that reclaims magic, agency and voice, Lady of Hecateis already shaping up to be something truly special. As rehearsals begin and the world of witches, ambition and rebellion comes to life, we cannot wait to bring you along on the journey. Whether you are performing, supporting behind the scenes or cheering from the audience, this show belongs to the entire MUMS community.

We are so excited to see Lady of Hecate take its place on the Féile Ardáin stage in March 2026 and to continue celebrating the talent, bravery and creativity that define Maynooth University Musical Society.

Keep your eyes peeled on our socials for behind-the-scenes magic, rehearsal sneak peeks and all things spooky, sparkly and sensational…

Trust us — you won’t want to miss this. 

 


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