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06 Sept 2025

Kildare children shine in unique Abbey Theatre performance

This initiative creates lasting and heartfelt memories for the families of the amazing children involved

Kildare children shine in unique Abbey Theatre performance

Becky Lyttleton, Community Staff Nurse at LauraLynn with Oscar, age 8, on stage at LauraLynn at the Abbey Theatre in a unique production. Picture: Jason Clarke

Reporter:

Ellie McCarthy

25 Mar 2025 12:00 PM

Not one, but two Kildare children took part in a unique production at Dublin’s renowned Abbey Theatre.
The performance, titled March of the Goldendoodles, highlighted the individual personalities and interests of Kildare’s Patrick and Oscar, along with three other children, who all use LauraLynn, Ireland's Children's Hospice services. 
The collaborative initiative between LauraLynn, the Abbey Theatre, and the National Gallery of Ireland seeks to make the arts more accessible for children with life limiting conditions. This family support project enables the children to engage in the arts in a significant way and be part of a once in a lifetime project with two of the most prominent arts organisations in Ireland.  
Written by Paul Timoney, the inclusive performance transported families on a magical journey through the arts from a dark night on Fungarvan Beach, to fireworks at the March Parade with lots of friends along the way.   
Michelle Hartnett, LauraLynn Senior Play Therapist, said, “Days like this are incredibly special for the children and their families. The opportunity to perform on the stage in the Abbey Theatre is about more than just a performance—it is about joy, creativity, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Each of the children's names will be recorded in the Abbey Theatre archives, a lasting mark of this moment in the spotlight. Very few people can say that they have performed on the Abbey stage, and for these five families, it will now be part of their child's story, a day to cherish forever." 
Co-Director of the Abbey Theatre, Executive Director Mark O’Brien said, “It is always a pleasure to welcome the children, their families and friends, and the staff and volunteers, of LauraLynn into the Abbey Theatre. It is privilege to be able to offer our support to LauraLynn in hosting this special performance, which never fails to inspire all the team here.” 
The success of The March of the Goldendoodles at the Abbey Theatre highlights the importance of accessibility to the arts. This initiative not only showcases significant and magical moments from each of the LauraLynn children’s lives but also creates lasting and heartfelt memories for their families. 

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