Lucy O’Brien has come full circle with the Mid Canterbury Children’s Theatre (MCCT).
O’Brien (nee Clough) is this year’s musical director for their upcoming production of Finding Nemo Jr, but started as a youngster appearing in several of the theatre’s productions.
Clough, 26, said she remembers performing in the theatre’s productions of Disco Inferno, Reef Town, Thoroughly Modern Millie, High School Musical and Beauty and the Beast.
‘‘My first performance with the theatre was as a six-year-old in Disco Inferno with the final night of the show coinciding with my seventh birthday,’’ O’Brien said.
It gave her a taste for musical theatre.
‘‘It fostered my confidence and stage skills, and I thoroughly enjoyed making new friends. I also loved the costumes and the excitement of performing in front of an audience.’’
O’Brien feels privileged to be back for the 2025 production.
‘‘I am helping to foster the next generation of young performers in Mid Canterbury. I owe a lot to MCCT, and it is fitting to be back 20 years later as part of the directing team,’’ she said.
On the production team are O’Brien, director Shayna Cairns-Rapson who performed as Dorothy in Variety Theatre Ashburton’s Wizard of Oz production in 2023, and choreographer, Azaria Brooker, who is new to Ashburton and teaches at Life Dance Academy in Tinwald.
It will be O’Brien first show as a musical director.
‘‘When the role was advertised I immediately applied. Finding Nemo Jr has a contrasting and high energy score that is fun to perform. I knew it would be rewarding,’’ she said.
Playing the lead in the production are Cara Patterson as Nemo, Jordan Imms-Protheroe as Marlin and Madeleine Howden as Dory.
The cast of 60 children are practicing twice a week for the show. Behind the cast a team of more than 100 volunteer mostly family, work to bring the production to the stage through set building, painting, props, costumes, hair make-up, dressing, side of stage helpers, fundraising and technical magic.
Children’s Theatre spokesperson Stacey Howden said the theatre had a proud history of producing high-quality shows.
‘‘In recent years we’ve experienced an exciting wave of success. With multiple productions selling out every single performance, our profile has grown, sparking a huge increase in interest from local children eager to be part of the experience.
‘‘This surge has led to an overwhelming number of new inquiries, and while we’re thrilled by the enthusiasm, it has meant our waitlist has grown significantly,’’ Howden said.
The popularity of the productions has seen demand far exceed the spaces available. This has lead the team to have to make a difficult decision and close the waitlist to avoid ongoing disappoint.
‘‘For our current production we initially had just 17 spaces available, but thanks to scheduling changes and availability, we were able to extend offers to around 42 children.
‘‘This is a testament to our commitment to including as many as we can within our limits,’’ Howden said.
The theatre exists to provide children aged seven to year 13 of all theatre experiences, or none, with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in live theatre.
‘‘For many, it’s more than just a production, it’s a place to grow, connect, and discover a lifelong passion. Once they join, they truly never want to leave,’’ Howden said
O’Brien, along with the cast, were excited to bring Finding Nemo Jr to the stage knowing they will ‘wow’ audiences with their performances.
‘‘Our cast are extremely talented. Each cast member has an integral part to play, and I am excited to assist our cast to be the best they can be,’’ O’Brien said.
– Mid Canterbury Children’s Theatre production of Finding Nemo Jr at the Ashburton Event Centre on September 26 to 28. Show times are: on the 26th at 7pm, 27th at 5pm and 28th at 2pm.
All tickets are $35 and available from the venue.
