Five children who use LauraLynn stepped into the spotlight today at Dublin’s Abbey Theatre in a heart‑warming, imaginative performance entitled Gerry the Elephant’s Colourful Cloak. This uplifting production celebrated Evan, Cian, Amaline, Luke and Cillian’s unique personalities and interests, creating a colourful journey with Gerry the Elephant.
This special event is the result of a meaningful collaboration between LauraLynn, the Abbey Theatre, and the National Gallery of Ireland, who together aim to make the arts more accessible for children with life‑limiting conditions. Through this partnership, families were invited not only to witness their children shine, but also to take a moment to relax and enjoy the show.
A Meaningful Opportunity for Families
Katelyn Spurr, Family Events Coordinator at LauraLynn, emphasised the opportunities this event offers to families:
“LauraLynn at the Abbey is a meaningful exercise that really allows the families and the children to explore their hobbies and their interests, and we create a bespoke play that is focused around those connections. It gives them an opportunity to take part in a creative, arts activity in a safe environment with the support of LauraLynn staff. Parents who usually provide 24‑hour care can sit back, relax and see their child in this amazing environment where they likely haven’t performed before.
And from a legacy point of view, because the children are performing in the National Theatre, they become part of the national records and are added to the Abbey’s archives. It’s a remarkable moment for families to reflect on their child’s personality in such an iconic venue.”
The Power of Creative Access
Brina Casey, Education Officer for Community, Access & Health at the National Gallery of Ireland, spoke about the importance of ensuring that the arts are accessible to all:
“There is something really intrinsic and human about engaging in artistic creation. Life gets busy and not everyone has the same opportunities, so it's important for organisations like LauraLynn and the National Gallery to find creative ways to help people engage.
Artistic experiences can feed the soul in a way that’s hard to quantify, and even a couple of hours in the Abbey on a rainy day can be incredibly uplifting and beneficial. We’re delighted to be involved.”
A Magical Experience for Families
For parents in the audience, the performance was deeply meaningful.
Luke's mum Liz reflected on watching her son take the stage:
“It’s great seeing him up there. It’s amazing the work LauraLynn does, giving him opportunities to take part in things like this. Luke loves music and anything creative, so it was lovely to see him taking part.”
Evan’s mum Maggie shared the joy and significance of the day:
“It was wonderful — colourful and personal to each child, with so much hard work behind the scenes. The storytelling was beautiful, weaving together the children's stories and their lives. And how special that it’s in the Abbey Theatre and that they’ll go down in the archives. That means so much.”
Creativity, Memories, and a Lasting Legacy
Written by storyteller Paul Timoney and supported by musicians Niamh Farrell and Donal Gunne, National Gallery artist Bethan Parkes, and the dedicated staff and volunteers of LauraLynn, the performance transported families into a joyful, imaginative world.
Michelle Hartnett, Senior Play Therapist at LauraLynn, summed up the emotional significance of the day:
“The opportunity to perform on the Abbey Theatre stage is about more than a show — it’s about joy, creativity, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Each child's name will be recorded in the Abbey Theatre archives, a lasting mark of this moment in the spotlight.”
Thank You
LauraLynn extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who made Gerry the Elephant’s Colourful Cloak such a success. We offer sincere thanks to the Abbey Theatre for their generosity, support, and creativity, and to the National Gallery of Ireland for their inspiring partnership. A special thank you goes to National Gallery Artist in the Community – Creative Support Bethan Parkes; to our wonderful musicians Niamh Farrell and Donal Gunne; and to Katerina Cussen, our Music Therapist, whose talents enriched the performance.
We are deeply grateful to the dedicated LauraLynn staff and volunteers, whose care and enthusiasm make projects like this possible, as well as to the 1st and 2nd year students of Social Care Practice at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Athlone for their contribution to props and creative elements. Our thanks also to Scrummy Mummy Cakes for supplying the gorgeous three-tiered cake for after the performance.
Above all, we thank the incredible children and their families. Their courage, imagination, and joy are at the heart of this project, and it is an honour to celebrate them on the Abbey Theatre stage.
