Mallow Arch Club

The Kaleidoscope Theatre Company (Mallow Arch Club) is unique to Ireland in that it is the first inclusive theatre company to stage regular performances throughout its 10 year life-span. It currently as a cast of 23 people with and without an intellectual disability.

They are a black light theatre company which is  as its name suggests, relies on the use of a blackout stage, is an extremely popular theatrical technique in Eastern Europe and has variously been described as ‘magical’, ‘entertaining’ and ‘different’. It is a visually stunning medium, using glow-in-the-dark puppets, hooded black puppeteers and UV lighting to enhance the effect. (Mallow Arch Club) Kaleidoscope Theatre Company from Cork has embraced this form of story-telling as it allows for creative and unique expression. What unites this theatre troupe is their aspiration to perform, and they take to the stage with at least four performances a year.

 Inclusive theatre is a broadening of the stage, moving away from those traditional cultural norms which excluded or sidelined many would-be actors. With Artistic excellence being the focus they have taken to the stage to perform all over Ireland, in venues such as Trasna (International Theatre Festival)Carlow. Callen, Theatre Festival Kilkenny and the Cork Opera House to celebrate 50 years of Cope.

One of their young Arch volunteers Julie Comyn, a sixth year student at St. Mary's Secondary School in Mallow as been nominated in the 'Pramerica Spirit of Community Award! This programme recognises post primary, secondary-level students from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland for community service activities, and is co-sponsored by the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals, (NAPD) and the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland. If you would like to see Kaleidoscope or would like to more about this unique club contact
Joy Buckley Mobile: 087 2035945 .

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