Monstrous musical fun in Laois courtesy of Portlaoise Musical Society

Portlaoise Musical Society is delighted to announce its upcoming production of Mel Brooks’ much-loved musical comedy Young Frankenstein at Dunamaise Arts Centre.

Following a sold-out run of last year's hugely successful production of Come From Away, Portlaoise Musical Society say they are preparing to bring another spectacular week of musical theatre to local audiences running from November 14 to 21.

The society invites audiences to step into what they describe as the “wonderfully wacky world” of Transylvania for an evening filled with “laughter, music, energetic dancing and classic musical theatre entertainment”.

Based on Mel Brooks’ legendary 1974 comedy film, Young Frankenstein follows Dr Frederick Frankenstein, the eccentric grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein. When Frederick inherits his family's Transylvanian estate, he reluctantly finds himself drawn into the family business of bringing the dead back to life. Joined by his loyal assistant Igor, the mysterious Inga and a host of unforgettable characters, Frederick embarks on a hilarious adventure filled with outrageous situations, unexpected romance and plenty of theatrical mayhem.

Combining the unmistakable humour of Mel Brooks with a fantastic musical score, the Portlaoise group say Young Frankenstein is a “loving parody” of the classic Frankenstein story.

The Society say audiences can expect memorable musical numbers, larger-than-life characters and the wonderfully irreverent comedy that has made the show a favourite with musical theatre audiences around the world.

The production features a talented local cast and creative team, bringing together performers from Portlaoise and the surrounding areas. The Society adds that the show celebrates the wealth of musical theatre talent within the local community, with experienced performers joining newer members of the society to create a vibrant and energetic ensemble.

Leading the colourful cast are Ronan Walsh as the wonderfully eccentric Dr Frederick Frankenstein, Aidan McColgan as his loyal assistant Igor, Laoise O’Connell as the high-spirited Inga, Helen Nolan as Frederick’s fabulous fiancée Elizabeth, Dawn Kavanagh as the mysterious Frau Blücher, and Colm Hogan as the unforgettable Monster. Together, this larger-than-life cast brings the wonderfully chaotic world of Transylvania to the stage, promising audiences a night of comedy, memorable characters and theatrical entertainment.

Director Dominic Reid spoke about the production. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

“It has been fantastic to see the cast and creative team come together throughout the rehearsal process. Young Frankenstein is such a fun show, with brilliant characters, fantastic music and plenty of opportunities for comedy. There is a huge amount of work happening behind the scenes, and we are really looking forward to sharing what we have been working on with audiences in November. Following the success of Come From Away, we are excited to welcome audiences back for something completely different and hope they enjoy every minute of it,” he said.

Angi McNulty, Portlaoise Musical Society Chairperson, said the group is delighted to bring another production to the stage in Portlaoise following last year's sold-out shows.

“We are looking forward to building on that success and welcoming audiences back to Dunamaise Arts Centre. Our society is very proud of the local talent involved, both on stage and behind the scenes. Productions like this take an enormous amount of dedication from our cast, production team, volunteers and supporters, and we hope the local community will come along and support what promises to be a brilliant week of musical theatre,” she said.

Portlaoise Musical Society say they have a long tradition of high-quality musical theatre which they add provides opportunities for performers and creatives to develop their talents while bringing people together through a shared love of the performing arts. In doing so, the Society believes they continue to play an important role in the cultural life of Portlaoise, with its productions attracting audiences and participants from across Laois and neighbouring counties.

The organisers say that from the first rehearsal to opening night, an enormous amount of work goes into bringing a production of this scale to life. That’s no different in 2026 with the team saying that behind the scenes, the creative and production crew working hard on choreography, costumes, lighting, sound, set design and all the details that help transform the stage into the wonderfully eccentric world of Transylvania. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

The Society invites everyone to come along.

“With its hilarious misunderstandings, eccentric personalities, infectious musical numbers and energetic choreography, Young Frankenstein promises to be an entertaining night out for musical theatre fans, comedy lovers and anyone looking for a fantastic evening at the theatre.

“Whether you are a long-time supporter of Portlaoise Musical Society or have never attended one of its productions before, this is a show not to be missed.

“Come along, bring your friends and family, and join Portlaoise Musical Society for a monstrously entertaining night of musical theatre,” they say

Young Frankenstein runs at Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise, from November 14th–21st, 2026.

Tickets, which are selling fast, are available through Dunamaise Arts Centre. Audiences are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment following last year's sold-out run.