WATCH Spotlight Stage School celebrates 40 Years and welcomes past pupil Stephen O’Riain to the team

Spotlight Stage School Limerick – Pictured above are Sadbhb and Stephen with crew and pupils of Spotlight

Spotlight Stage School Limerick marks a special milestone this year as they celebrate 40 years of music, drama and dance

Spotlight Stage School Limerick marks a special milestone this year as they celebrate 40 years of music, drama and dance in 2026.

Since opening its doors in 1986, Spotlight has been a huge part of the performing arts community in Limerick, helping generations of young people discover their confidence, creativity, and love of the stage. From performances in the Crescent Theatre, the University Concert Hall and the Lime Tree Theatre, to appearances on The Late Late Toy Show, Spotlight has created lifelong memories for so many students and families in Limerick over the last four decades. Spotlight’s most recent production, Hooray for Hollywood, which took place at the Lime Tree Theatre in May, was an example of the talent, dedication and hard work of the students, who delivered a brilliant show.

The school was founded in 1986 by Margaret Hough and Judy O’Connor, whose passion and dedication shaped Spotlight into the special place it is today. The past year has marked an exciting new chapter for the school, with past pupil Sadhbh McCoy taking over and continuing the legacy that has been built over the past four decades.

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Sadhbh McCoy’s journey with Spotlight began at the age of five, where she attended classes until she was a teenager and developed her love for the arts.

With Spotlight, she performed with Limerick Panto Society and in many other projects over the years, later returning as a Teaching Assistant. She holds a Diploma in Musical Theatre Performance from Trinity College London and a Grade 8 certification in Classical Singing from the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

During her time at Mary Immaculate College, Sadhbh directed several productions with the drama society MIDAS. Following graduation, she worked with Lime Tree Theatre, coordinating the Bualadh Bos Children’s Festival and summer camps, while also performing with local groups such as Limerick Musical Society, Cecilian Musical Society, Shannon Musical Society, and College Players.

In 2016, Sadhbh moved to London to work with Judy Craymer, the producer of MAMMA MIA! in the West End. While in London, she was a member of the renowned choir, London Contemporary Voices. On returning to Limerick, Sadhbh took on the roles of Senior Marketing Executive and Associate Producer at Lime Tree Theatre and Belltable.

As Associate Producer, she has played a key role in establishing the Lime Tree Theatre’s professional pantomime, now a local Christmas tradition.

“I am proud and excited to continue the incredible legacy left by Margaret and Judy at Spotlight,” said Sadhbh McCoy. “The school has had a profound impact in fostering creativity, confidence, and a passion for the performing arts in generations of students.

Spotlight has always been a place where young people can build confidence and discover their passion for the arts, just as it has done for me. I look forward to leading this wonderful school into a new chapter and continuing its success for many years to come.”

As part of the exciting future ahead for Spotlight, performer and choreographer Stephen O’Riain, also a past pupil of the school, will be joining the teaching team from September 2026. Stephen brings with him a wealth of experience from stage and screen, having performed across Ireland, the UK, and internationally, as well as working extensively as a choreographer and vocal coach. Sadhbh is delighted to welcome Stephen to the team and is excited for the experience and passion for musical theatre he will bring to Spotlight in the years ahead.

Stephen, from Co. Limerick, discovered his passion for performing from a young age while attending Spotlight Stage School. Under the guidance of Judy and Margaret, his very first experience on stage was playing Mickey Mouse at the Crescent Theatre and from that moment he knew he had found his passion. During his years with Spotlight, he was fortunate to perform on The Late Late Toy Show, appear as Sleepy with Limerick Panto Society, and take part in the very first Spotlight production staged at the University Concert Hall.

After completing his time with Spotlight, Stephen continued his training and moved to London to study at the prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, where he earned a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre. Since graduating in 2010, he has appeared in numerous productions across the UK and has performed internationally aboard cruise ships with P&O Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line. He later returned home to Ireland to play Abanazer in the Lime Tree Theatre production of Aladdin. His screen credits include Philomena, and he has also performed on Good Morning Britain. He will next appear in Oklahoma! at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre this summer.

Since returning to Limerick, Stephen has built a strong reputation as a choreographer, working with many leading musical societies across Ireland. In 2025, Stephen choreographed the Lime Tree Theatre pantomime Red Riding Hood and is delighted to return this year as choreographer for Robin Hood.

Stephen also lectures in Musical Theatre and Vocal Performance on the BA Voice programme at the University of Limerick and works as a freelance vocal coach.

Stephen commented, “As a child at Spotlight, I learned everything I needed for my career, my confidence in dancing, singing and acting. My Aunt Judy was one of the co-founders of Spotlight and my whole family were involved in theatre and I also have that passion for teaching, so it’s in my blood, so to be back within these walls, it really is an honour to come back and pass down everything I have learned to a new generation.”

Spotlight is based at 97 O’Connell Street, and the next term begins in September 2026. To add your child to the waiting list please email [email protected]. We welcome children from the ages of 5 – 18 years old.