Primary Seven pupils from St Mary’s Primary School in Killyclogher held a dress rehearsal for their production of the 1964 Disney musical Mary Poppins. The performance takes place tonight at Cappagh Parish Hall at 7.30pm.

Evie Dickson plays Mary Poppins. Katie Monteith plays Winifred Banks. Michael Meenan plays George Banks.

School principal Carole McAuley stated that the school holds an annual musical tradition involving staff, pupils and parents. She said the productions create lasting memories for the children as a rite of passage before secondary school.

McAuley noted that the shows allow pupils to discover new skills, including for those new to performing. Rehearsals began in January with twice-weekly sessions led by creative director Emmet Stewart from ES Creative and year seven teachers.

Music coordinator Maeve Kelly worked with pupils on individual roles. McAuley credited parents for providing costumes and support. She thanked Justin O’Doherty and Eddie Fitzpatrick for lights, and Nigel Caldwell from NC Sound for audio support over nearly 10 years.

The school has staged previous musicals including Aladdin, Annie, The Little Mermaid and Grease. Cappagh Parish Hall accommodates an audience of 300.