News

Semester 1 Recap! News: update

Posted On 19th Dec 2025
Posted By Musical
Author LAURA-ROSE KERR (Secretary)

Semester 1 Recap

Well… what a semester. Somehow, between lectures, rehearsals, late nights, last-minute plans and a truly impressive amount of spontaneous singing, we managed to squeeze an entire highlight reel into Semester 1, and we honestly wouldn’t change a thing.

First and foremost, a massive thank you to every single one of you for making this semester such a joy. Whether you were onstage, behind the scenes, helping out at events, popping along when you could, or simply showing up with good vibes and support, you played a part in making MUMS the welcoming, creative and slightly chaotic space we all love so much.

This semester was packed with a brilliant mix of creative workshops, Wednesday night open mics and quiz nights. From sharing new skills and trying things outside our comfort zones, to testing our theatre trivia knowledge (with varying levels of success), these nights quickly became a midweek highlight. The talent on display was unreal, the encouragement even stronger, and the laughter constant.

Alongside the busier events, we also made space for some quieter moments with our cosy tea and chats. These afternoons reminded us that MUMS isn’t just about performing, it’s also about checking in, slowing down and being there for one another. Sometimes the most meaningful moments happen with a cup of tea in hand and a good chat around the table.

One of the biggest highlights of the semester was, without a doubt, Mini Musical Festival 2025. Four stellar shows. Four unbelievable casts. Three sold-out nights. No notes. Heathers, Carrie, Ride the Cyclone and Moulin Rouge absolutely brought the house down and proved, once again, that MUMS is packed to the brim with talent. To everyone who performed, helped backstage or came along to support, thank you for making it such a massive success (and for surviving it with us).

A huge thank you as well to everyone who auditioned for our full-scale production. The standard was incredibly high, which made casting both exciting and mildly painful. A massive congratulations to our wonderful cast for Spring Awakening 2026, we cannot wait to see this show come to life.

Spring Awakening Cast List

Melchior – Caolan Moriarty
Wendla – Dayna Quinlan
Moritz – John Doyle Peredo
Ilse – Annie Bolger
Martha – Caitlyn Carroll
Hänschen – Aaron Viera Kelly
Ernst – Leigh McGuinness
Thea – Dorothy Toye
Anna – Mary O’Dowd
Georg – Conor Majury
Otto – John Brennan
Adult Male – Paul Mescal

Ensemble

Áine McGlynn
Alanna Pepper
Becky Casley
Caoimhe Callan
Caoimhe Moore
Emily Little
Emma Malone
John Egan
Kelli Martin
Laura-Rose Kerr
Millie Morrison
Molly Wilson (Dance Captain)
Rubimae Hoskins
Sean Young
Will Cooper
Timofe Oke

This semester, we were also proud to raise money for our incredible chosen charity, SOSAD. Thank you to everyone who donated, participated and supported these efforts. Keep an eye out in Semester 2, as we’ll be back with even more whacky challenges and fundraising fun in support of this fantastic cause.

This semester also saw us host our EGM, where, Laura-Rose Kerr (me!!), clearly blinked at the wrong moment, said “sure why not” a few too many times and somehow collected extra committee roles like Pokémon. I was elected Vice Chairperson/Vice Treasurer alongside my role as Secretary (“she’s insane” you say in disbelief, and you would be absolutely correct!). Thank you all so much for the trust, I promise my spreadsheets will be strong, things will stay organised and functional, and the chaos will remain intentional, minimal and strictly for character going into Semester 2.

We wrapped up the semester with some festive fun, including Christmas karaoke and ice skating, which confirmed two things: MUMS loves a themed event, and some of us should probably stay off the ice in the future. We hope you all enjoyed celebrating the end of term together and getting into the Christmas spirit with your MUMS family, we know we did!

As we head into the holidays, we want to wish you all a very happy Christmas, a brilliant New Year and the very best of luck with exams. Take breaks where you can, mind yourselves and remember that one exam or one result does not define you. We are all incredibly proud of you, whether you’re powering through revision or simply doing your best to get through the week.

We cannot wait to see you all back in Semester 2, refreshed, rested and ready for more. We’ll be returning with more events, more music and more moments that will almost definitely turn into inside jokes. Preparations will soon be underway for Féile Ardáin 2026 and our full-scale production of Spring Awakening, and we are so excited to bring you along for every step of the journey.

Thank you for your energy, your kindness and your enthusiasm this semester. MUMS wouldn’t be what it is without you.

We love you all and we’ll see you very soon.

 


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