About Rush Musical Society
As with any successful organization its backbone of strength and success emanates from its members and without doubt the Rush Musical Society has had a wealth of loyal, enthusiastic, and inspiring people in its ranks since its foundation in 1988.
Today RMS is recognised as one of Ireland's leading community based Musical Societies, with multiple nominations and awards with AIMS (The Association of Irish Musical Societies) and festivals such as W.I.F.L.O. along with awards at National and International Choral Festivals.
RMS has over 60 adult and youth members involved in Annual Musical Theatre production, along with RMS Singers formed in 2020 performing 4-part vocal harmony arrangements of pop and rock classics.
As partners in Rush Pantomime Group, RMS provides a platform for over 40 youth and children to perform in Pantomime in the Millbank Theatre, which is a Sell Out family event every December.
The Early Years
The genesis of the RMS was laid down in a local hostelry in 1987 when a group of ‘town folk’ and ‘blow-ins’ discussed with much delight their "adventures" or “misadventures” as the case may be with musical societies they were previously associated with in other parishes. The general consensus was that the experiences were positive and rewarding to say the least, and without further deliberation (or" rehearsal") a committee was formed and from there on its been lights, action, with the roar of the crowd and the smell of the grease paint.
The recently opened Millbank Theatre was the selected venue for the inaugural production in 1988, a variety show titled “A Musical Extravaganza”. This testing of the water was received with great acclaim albeit from a rather partisan audience of friends, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, sons, daughters etc!
The Society went on to stage two more variety concerts. In November 1990 RMS staged its first Musical, "Finians Rainbow" in St. Maurs GAA Centre. All early productions were staged in St Maurs GAA with the support of the committee and members of the club.
To date, RMS have gone on to stage over 40 fully staged Musicals, 11 Pantomimes and numerous concerts.
Changing Times
RMS passed a milestone in 2006 when we staged an award-winning production of "Man of La Mancha". Following a spring run in St. Maurs we were invited to perform at Waterford International Festival of Light Opera in the Theatre Royal, Waterford receiving 11 nominations and winning 7 awards.
In 2008 RMS moved production to the Millbank Theatre, staging the World Amateur Premiere of ‘Hollywood Pinafore’. The same year RMS were the first amateur group invited to perform in Landskrona in Sweden by the Landskrona Riksteater. Following the last performance in the Millbank a 40 foot container was packed with the sets, costumes and props and travelled overland to arrive in Sweden the following Thursday to prepare for our production.
Over 60 cast and crew gave 3 performances creating a truly magical theatrical experience for RMS and the good patrons of the Landskrona Riksteater. We played to sell out houses and standing ovations, accompanied by an orchestra assembled from the graduates of the Malmo Conservatory of Music, most of whom were getting their first opportunity to play in the orchestra of a musical. Such was the success of this venture that RMS went on to return to Landskrona again in 2010 with ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ and 2013 with ‘Mack and Mabel’.
“Oh no he’s not… he’s behind you!”
2016 heralded a welcome return of Pantomime to Rush after a 25 year hiatus, RMS collaborated with Rush Dramatic Society to form Rush Pantomime Group.
Pantomime is staged for 18 Sell Out performances at the Millbank Theatre with a local cast ranging in age from 9 to 70.
Audiences and cast get to enjoy the pure fun and joy of Christmas in our own community. For our junior and youth cast pantomime has presented a unique opportunity to develop their stagecraft and experience performing for a full run in a theatre.
All the work in preparing and producing this yearly event is worthwhile just to see the development of these young performers and the sheer joy of every child and family as they exit the theatre.
Then and Now
Like many groups throughout the world, Covid 19 brought an abrupt halt to activities in 2020 days before opening night for a production of ‘Sweeney Todd’ but since our return to a full season in 2022/2023 RMS has enjoyed a swell in members for our annual production, RMS Singers and Pantomime.
Support from audiences is at an all time high with sell out performances of shows and the society has achieved critical acclaim from AIMS including winning the Thurles Trophy for Best Overall Show runner-up 2022/23 among other nominations and award for Best Actor, Best Actress and Adjudicator Special Award in 2024
Though delighted with all its accolades the society remains now as when we formed to deliver musical theatre and performance of the highest quality for the people of Rush and surrounding area.
Our success is based on the continued growth of membership and audiences alike. We aim to continue to be a major contributor to the cultural development of our community.
RMS 40 year anniversary!
Heading for or 40th Anniversary in 2028 RMS have our sights set on securing a long-term home to secure our future for generations to come. With this in mind RMS Lotto was started in 2025 with funds raised ringfenced to finance long term rehearsal facilities for RMS. Visit our Lotto page for all the information and to enter our weekly draw!
Rush Musical Society are grateful to the Community, Culture and Arts Department of Fingal County Council for their financial support.
Season 2025/2026
Our season runs each year from June to May.
We actively encourage and welcome new members of all ages who share our love of music and theatre.
If you would like to join us or for more information check out our Contact US page.
| RMS Commitee | |
|---|---|
| Chairperson | Emer Spain |
| Vice Chairperson | Gary Finegan |
| Secretary | Niamh Banim |
| Treasurer | Helen Kavanagh |
| Other Commitee Members | Chris Farrell, Barry Kavanagh, Catherine Foley, Patrick Foley, Ashling McGee |