'The Selfish Giant' in Kilcullen today

For those who perhaps know of Oscar Wilde through notoriety, or his adult-themed writing, his short stories for children are probably a revelation when they come across them, writes Brian Byrne.

They're written with a thoughtful gentleness and rank with the best from such writers of many generations.

A dramatised performance of 'The Selfish Giant' which will be performed in the Town Hall Theatre today, Tuesday 29 December ,would be a wonderful way to cure the younger children — and maybe even the older ones and their parents too — of the cabin fever that can follow the festive season. The story was written by Wilde for his own children.

It is being presented by the Herbert Lodge School of Music in association with our own Drama Dynamics School of Speech and Drama, and will feature incidental music composed by Colman Pearce. The show is directed by Evelyn O'Sullivan.

This is a world premiére of the music and will be played by students of Patricia Higgins from Herbert Lodge, aged from 11 to 18. Patricia has studied music in London and is  also presently teaching  in Griffith College Dublin.

Drama students of Evelyn's Teen Theatre group will narrate the story with children from the 7-8 age group performing as the children.

This show is ideally suited to families. Tickets at €5 are available from Patricia at 085 1546320 or from Evelyn at 087 6441504, and also at the door.

The show is an afternoon one, beginning at 2.30pm, and is supported by the County Kildare Arts Officer.