Oliver Hurley began his stage career at the age of nine as a performer with Siamsa Tíre - The National Folk Theatre of Ireland. During this time, he toured extensively with the company throughout Ireland, the UK, Germany, Spain, Holland, Belgium, France, America, Canada and Australia. One of the highlights from his many performances with the company is performing at the Palace Theatre on Broadway at the tender age of 11. Other highlights include performing for the Queen of Sweden and Queen of Netherlands, Prime Minister of Israel and Australia, Expo in Brisbane, Seville and Hanover. 

TV credits include Fox TV from Ford’s Theatre, Washington, RTE’S Bibi, Up for the Match,  Music of Night and Sunday Night at the Olympia. 

 

In 1985 Oliver became a full-time professional performer with Siamsa Tíre and received training in many disciplines of theatre. He had the opportunity to work with top-class  professionals including Jude Kelly (Acting), Jonathan Burnett (Ballet), Anne Courtney (Contemporary Dance), Mary Nunan (Contemporary Dance), John Scott (Contemporary Dance), Michael Scott (Acting), Roberto D’Amico (Argentinian Folk Dance), Maria Pages (Flamenco), Tom Bogden (Voice), Maurice Curtin (Directing), Muiris Ó’Laoire (Folklore) and Fr Pat Ahern (Music).  Oliver also studied theatre and the methodology of teaching at Wakefield College, England. Oliver lectured on the BA in Folk Theatre Studies at the Institute of Technology, Tralee from 2000 – 2006 where he delivered dance and drama. He became Artistic Director of Siamsa Tíre in 2000 and devised and directed Samhain - A Glimpse of the Otherworld; Oisín - His Legendary Journey to Tir na nÓg; & Oileán - Celebrating the Blasket Islands. He devised productions for touring school groups and spearheaded three National Tours with the company during his tenure as Artistic Director. 

 

In 2005 Oliver established his own stage school - Oliver Hurley School of Musical Theatre – through which students from all over Kerry are trained in the disciplines of drama, dance and singing.

 

He has directed & choreographed many award-winning shows for Musical Societies throughout Ireland including Jesus Christ Superstar, Annie Get Your Gun, The Pirates of Penzance, Joseph & his Technicolour Dreamcoat, 42nd Street, Me & My Girl, Copacabana, West Side Story, Ghost,  Hot Mikado, Children of Eden, Sussical, Carousel, Titanic – The Musical, Beauty and the Beast, My Fair Lady, Michael Collins, All Shook Up, Sister Act, Whistle Down the Wind, Chitty, Chitty Bang, Bang, Shrek the Musical and many more. 

 

Oliver has received fourteen nominations at the AIMS National Awards Ceremony, where he has won, the much coveted Best Director title five times and has also won Best Choreographer award for Hot Mikado. Fourteen of his productions have also been nominated for Best Overall Show with his production of Carousel with Killarney MS winning the title in 2008 and Michael Collins with Tralee MS winning the title in 2013. 

In addition to his stage success, Oliver is the Operations Manager with the world-renowned Rose of Tralee International Festival. 

Honor Hurley obtained a Master of Arts in Contemporary Dance with first class honours from the Irish World Music Centre at the University of Limerick and worked with Siamsa Tire as a professional dancer, teacher and choreographer for twelve years. She represented Ireland at numerous festivals worldwide and performed throughout their summer season.

 

She currently teaches dance in the Oliver Hurley School of Musical Theatre and has choreographed and directed numerous school musical productions around the county including Les Miserable, Mama Mia, Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sister Act, Guys and Dolls and We will Rock You, to name a few.  She has also worked in several Primary Schools in Kerry, teaching creative dance and assisting with their school concerts and productions.

 

Honor is no stranger to Strictly Come Dancing having created countless shows over the years for sports and social clubs and GAA community groups. Honor also obtained a Distinction in level 6 Inclusive Education and Training programme from The Kerry College. 

 

Honor’s dance experience, both on and off the stage allows her to prepare her students for all types of performances.

Sorcha O’Connor began her musical eduction at the age of 8, under taking vocal lessons with various teachers throughout county Kerry and participating in Oliver Hurley Stage School! 

 

In 2018, Sorcha graduated from CIT Cork School of Music, having specialized in vocal study with Rob Craig and choral conducting. During her time in the Cork School of Music, Sorcha was part of many award-winning choirs, including ‘Capella Lyrica’ and 'CIT Chamber Choir', Irish Youth Choir and was a member of Cork Operatic Society. 

 

Sorcha is a vocal coach and piano teacher with Killarney School of Music for the past eight years. Sorcha was the Choral Director for Killarney Musical Society’s past two productions ‘Joseph and his amazing technicolour dream coat’ in 2020, years production of their Variety Show 2023. She has taken up the role as choral director with Killorglin Pantomime, (February 2022 and January 2023). 

Justin Walsh began his Theatre and Dance career at age 7 with Siamsa Tire the National Folk Theatre of Ireland and became a full time professional member at 18. During his time with Siamsa Tire Justin worked as a professional dancer, choreographer and teacher performing each year in their summer season shows and also their off season productions. As part of the creative team Justin was involved in the productions of “Clann Lir” Children of Lir, “Oilean” the Great Blasket Islands, “Moriarty” the story of John Moriarty and many more. Justin toured both nationally and internationally with the company representing Ireland at Expo 92 Seville Spain at age 11 and performing at the world famous Fords Theatre in Washington DC in 1999. Touring at such a young age with Siamsa Tire set Justin up with what was yet to come in his career.

At age 20 Justin decided to pursue a career in dance and moved to Dublin where he studied Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Contemporary at the College of Dance Diggs Lane Dublin. There he obtained a diploma in professional Dance Training. During his time in college Justin was part of a workshop for Riverdance creators Moya Dorherty and John McGolgan called Rí-Ra which was performed at Trinity College Dublin playing the lead role and Principal Dancer.

In 2003 Justin successfully auditioned for Michael Flatley’s “Lord of the Dance” which began his 7 year touring career. During this time he also performed in Michael Flatley’s productions of “Celtic Tiger” and “Feet of Flames” In 2006 he moved to Busch Gardens Florida and Virginia performing as principal dancer in “Emerald Beat The Show”. In 2008 he joined “Riverdance The Show” where he finished out his touring career. Justin also performed as lead dancer with the Norwegian Theatre Company in their production of “Playboy of the Western World” The highlight of his career during this time was performing in Madison Square Garden New York City with Michael Flatley.

Touring – Ireland, UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Italy, Czech Republic, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Kazakhstan, South Africa, China, Singapore, Taiwan, USA, Canada, Mexico.

TV Credits include - The Tony Danza Show ABC, Good Morning America ABC, The Today Show NBC.

In 2020 Justin completed his Master’s Degree in Dance Performance with First Class Honours at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance University College Limerick. He currently teaches dance for The Oliver Hurley School of Musical Theatre, is guest choreographer for Tralee Musical Society and guest lecturer in University College Limerick.

Laura Crowley possesses a distinguished career in the music industry, encompassing roles as a musician, vocalist, and educator. She earned her Associate degree in Pianoforte and further honed her vocal skills at Trinity College London, mentored by the esteemed Sharon Reidy.
 

Over the years, Laura has graced the stage with the Tralee Musical Society, showcasing her immense talent. In 2017, she embraced the role of Choral Director for the youth production of "All Shook Up," followed by "The Wiz" in 2018. Subsequently, she transitioned to directing the adult cast in notable productions such as "Children of Eden," "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," and "Ghost."

In addition to her work with the Tralee Musical Society, Laura has directed chorals for educational institutions. She served as the Choral Director for Scoil Mhuire agus Ide in Newcastle West during their renditions of "Grease" and "Mama Mia." Furthermore, she collaborated with Colaiste & Iosef in Abbeyfeale for their production of "Sister Act."In recent years, Laura has also worked with Presentation Secondary School Tralee, as school choir director & choral director for the annual variety show.

Laura is delighted to also work on vocals & choral pieces with the Oliver Hurley Stage School. Currently, Laura continues to make significant contributions to the music scene through her affiliations with the Tralee Musical Society, Presentation School Tralee, and the Oliver Hurley Stage School.

LauraLee's qualifications include 'National Diploma in Folk Theatre Studies' in The Institute of Technology Tralee before moving to Dublin to study 'Acting Performance' in Gaiety School of Acting Dublin. She received a scholarship for her 2nd year and graduated in 2003 as student of the year. She also studied voice with both Aidan and Audrey O' Carroll and completed her grades with Royal Irish academy of Music. Lauralee also studied Montessori Teaching in Portobello College Dublin and recieved a distinction when she qualified in 2005.

 

Lauralee had the honour of performing in many wonderful productions throughout her acting career, She was Lady of the Manor In Killarney Manor before moving to Dublin. While in Dublin, she played the Lead of 'Linda' in the critically acclaimed 'Some Voices' at the Project Theatre Dublin. 'Mary' in 'The wedding' at the Bank of Ireland Arts Centre Dublin and 'Gwendoline' in The importance of being Ernest at the Parnell Arts Centre, Dublin. Lauralee was also Lead vocalist with the group 'Dublin City Folk' and toured Nationally and Internationally with the group. She was also featured singer on Barry Gleeson's albums 'I heard a bird at Dawn' and 'Tough Night' aswell as guest singer annually at the Frank Harte Festival Dublin.

 

Lauralee is also a member of Tralee Musical Society and It was Oliver Hurley who was responsible for giving her a love and passion for acting and Musical Theatre. She has played many leading roles with the Society including "Kitty" in their production of Micheal Collins and Sr. Mary Roberts" in Sister Act. She was also nominated for 2 Aims awards with the society,  Best supporting actress for her role of "Lady Jacqueline" in Me and My Girl and Best Actress for her role of Mary" in The Beautiful Game.

 

Lauralee also is a performer with Siamsa Tíre and is the Lead Vocalist in the Annual Summer Season Production of Turas. You may have also seen her as The Fairy in many of Our Christmas Pantos. Lauralee has been teaching with Oliver Hurley School of Musical Theatre since 2008 and watching the children grow in confidence aswell as building new friendships brings her so much joy.