Universally recognized as Ireland 's greatest comedian, Noel is the star of one of Dublin 's longest running cabarets. Noel's eventful brand of humour has been witnessed by audiences from all corners of the globe, time and time again in the Burlington Hotel in Dublin in which he is currently enjoying his 30th year. It is also in the Dublin Cabaret that the words standing ovation" are not a rarity, for it is without a doubt that Noel V. Ginnity can bring a world represented audience to fits of laughter within minutes of taking to the stage.
Quoted by the Sun Newspaper as being "one of the world's top 50 comedians", Noel has been treading the boards for many years. He has appeared throughout the length and breadth of Ireland and England including countless memorable appearances in London 's famous Royal Albert Hall. He has toured extensively throughout the U.S.A and Australia . He has made millions of people laugh during his thirty-year career. Indeed because of his unique ability to portray the wit and wisdom of Ireland , Noel V has been described as being "more important to Ireland than the Blarney Stone".
He has appeared innumerably on Television and Radio worldwide and was the subject of a tribute from The Late Late Show with host Gay Byrne which is the longest running chat show in the world. This was a night where fellow entertainers enjoyed the opportunity to say "thanks for the memories". He was also honoured at a special reception given by the President of Ireland "Mary McAleese" in May 2002. Noel V. is a comedian with great conviction, determination and dedication and will always be quoted as "A Master of Comedy".
Paul Hennessy-Tenor
Carlow born Paul has been singing professionally for 14 years during which time he has made numerous Irish television and radio appearances, on programmes such as The Late Late Show, Live at Three, The Rose of Tralee, The Lyrics Board, Open House, Theatre Nights and Head to Toe. He has appeared in many musicals including, South Pacific, Fiddler on the Roof, HMS Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, The Merry Widow, My Fair Lady, Guys and Dolls and most recently he played the part of Mr. Bumble in Oliver which ran for nine weeks in the Tivoli Theatre in Dublin. For many years Paul was a regular performer in various productions in Clontarf Castle , Dublin .
He was a member of the Original "Irish Tenors" line up but in the end decided on a solo career. He has toured the USA many times and has so far sung in 34 states. Other performances abroad include Wales , Italy , Scotland and Portugal .
In 1998 Paul was invited to sing at the All Ireland hurling and football finals in Croke Park Dublin. He was invited back in 1999 and 2000 and also sang for the International Rules games, a total of 11 appearances in Croke Park , not bad for a Carlow man".
He is currently appearing in his eight season in The Burlington Irish Cabaret, with Noel V. Ginnity which runs from May to October each year in Dublin . He has recorded two albums, one featuring songs from stage and screen titled, "Follow me up to Broadway", the other is a collection of Irish favourites called "A Song for Ireland ".
Emer Hartnett- Soprano
A native of Cork, Emer Graduated from University College Cork with a degree in music studying violin and piano before moving to Dublin to study voice with the renowned Dr. Veronica Dunne.
Her wide training and diverse talents have enabled her to work in all fields of music from opera to rock, musicals to cabaret, classical to jazz.
She has performed with many well-known Irish/English entertainers in every theatre in Ireland and has worked alongside American entertainers including Millicent Martin, John Barrownman and Lorna Luft. Emer toured the UK and Europe with "The Commitments", Ireland 's hardest working soul band, and performed on the original Riverdance album with Bill Whelan. This is Emer's third tour to the United States with Dublin 's Traditional Irish Cabaret. She has recorded two albums "Songs for Ireland " which features classic Irish songs and instrumentals to suit all tastes. Her second album "Celtic Moods" comprises many of Irelands great ballads including Danny Boy, and Galway Bay .
Pat Marnane- Musical Director
A student of the Royal Irish Academy of Music and a Graduate of University College, Cork , holding degrees in both Math and Music, he held a teaching post. His love of music led him to tour Ireland , Great Britain , Scotland and Europe and sacrifice his teaching career. He also became involved in the production of shows and became Musical Director for many pantomimes, musicals and shows in Ireland . He moved to New York where he worked for Paddy Noonan as lead singer, keyboard player and musical director with his group for two years.
He released his first album in the United States and followed up with tours that brought his blend of Irish music to almost every state from Maine to Florida , and California and Hawaii !! He has worked with all the stars from Ireland including Red Hurley, Dermot O'Brien and the late Frank Patterson. Pat has appeared on various cruise ships playing Irish music in the Caribbean and Alaska . He has been touring with Dublin 's Irish Cabaret since its inauguration.
Stuart O Connor- Producer/Choreographer
Stuart is the Director of the very successful Spotlight Stage Schools and Spotlight Productions. Spotlight Stage Schools are based in Carlow, Navan and Summerhill Co Meath and were set up by Stuart along with his wife Ciara to cater for the many talented children outside the Dublin area.
He is a graduate of the Billie Barry Stage School and his professional career has been established in venues such as Clontarf Castle, Johnny Foxs, Jury's Irish Cabaret as well as the Olympia, Gaiety and Point Theatres. He has appeared with well known stars Maureen Potter, Twink, Brendan Grace, June Rodgers to name but a few. Television credits include The Late Late Toy Show, Kenny Live, Gay Byrne Music Show and Sunday Night at the Olympia and Gaiety Theatres to name but a few. Stuart has toured the world with various different shows, most notably his own production, Dublins Traditional Irish Cabaret.
He has choreographed many different shows on the professional scene and in the field of production has had great results with his company Spotlight Productions which he runs with his wife Ciara. Along with Dial M for Music he has been responsible for the very successful "Normandy Nights" show on the Normandy cruise ship for seven years running. Stuart's dancers and choreography can be seen regularly on the corporate entertainment scene in venues such as Dublin Castle, Dromoland Castle, Ashford Castle, Trinity College, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, St Andrews Golf Club Scotland, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and Dollywood (USA). He is also a partner in N.P.S. Productions who are responsible for bringing Dublin's Traditional Irish Cabaret starring Noel V Ginnity to the U.S. several times a year. This is a fully produced Irish Show receiving rave reviews. This year saw Stuart travel to Melbourne Australia with Noel V Ginnity to provide entertainment for the Caulfield Cup.
Stuart and Ciara in association with Pat Egan Productions produced the very successful Christmas Pantomime Cinderella in the Olympia Theatre featuring June Rodgers and a cast of 110 children which was the top selling show in Dublin for Christmas 2006. In 2007 the popular pantomime Jack & the Beanstalk will be featured, again starring June Rodgers and a large cast of talented children.
Ailbe Grace- Champion Irish Accordionist
Born and raised in the beautiful Glen of Aherlow in County Tipperary , Ailbe started his musicial career at the age of 6 and he credits most of his musical ability to his father, who was not a musician but had a keen ear for music. Ailbe perfected his talents through Comhaltas Ceolteori Eirann and with Cheoils(Irish Music Competitions). In 1978 he became All-Ireland Champion Accordion Player. Ailbe has appeared on R.T.E ( Irelands national television station)numerous times. He has also worked with Sharon Shannon and toured America with Red Hurley and Noel V. Ginnity. At home Ailbe performs regularly in Doolin Co. Clare, where Traditional Music is deeply rooted.
Tommy Keane-Champion Uillean Pipes Player
Tommy Keane is one of Ireland's leading traditional musicians and is on demand throughout Ireland and abroad for live and studio sessions. Having toured the world on several tours including Jury's Irish Cabaret, Doyle's Irish Cabaret and Dublin 's Traditional Irish Cabaret, Tommy has thrilled audiences with his knowledge of Irish music. He is just about to complete his 8th season in Doyles Irish Cabaret in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin .
Dublin 's Traditional Irish Dancers
Dublin 's Traditional Irish Cabaret is delighted to have it's very own troupe of professional Irish dances hand picked by Stuart O'Connor from all over Ireland . These dancers include All Ireland Champions and have delighted audiences all over Europe and the U.S. on numerous occasions. Several of these dancers have come to us directly from Irelands most prestigious dance shows including Riverdance, Lord of The Dance and Gael Force.
Ciaran Keating-Choreographer
We are delighted to have Ciaran Keating performing in the show again this year. Ciaran was a member of the Spotlight Stage School for 8 years and since then he has gone from strength to strength on the professional circuit. He made his professional debut with Normandy night's cabaret show for five successful seasons on Irish Ferries, and he dances in Johnnie Fox's show. Recent work includes two tours with Rebecca Storm, and the Beldance Company, the world premiere of the Irish Dance Show. The Magical Rhythms of Ireland and Gaelforce Dance Korean tour. He also appeared in the Wizard of Oz at the Cork Opera House, Annie at the Tivoli and the US.A. tour starring Noel V. Ginnity, starring as lead dancer and assistant choreographer. He also choreographed Dave Young's Christmas show at The Red Cow, Dublin .