On 14th March 2025, five children from LauraLynn, Ireland’s only Children’s Hospice, took part in a unique and magical performance at Dublin’s Abbey Theatre. The production, titled The March of the Goldendoodles, showcased the individual personalities and interests of Harry, Darragh, Mila, Patrick and Oscar, creating a truly special experience for them and their families.
This initiative is a collaboration between LauraLynn, the Abbey Theatre, and the National Gallery of Ireland, and it seeks to make the arts more accessible for children with life limiting conditions. It’s a family support project that enables the children to engage with the arts in a meaningful way and be part of a once in a lifetime project with two of the most prominent arts organisations in Ireland.
Written by Paul Timoney, the performance transported families on a magical journey through the arts from a dark night on Fungarvan Beach to fireworks at the March March Parade, with lots of friends along the way.
Michelle Hartnett, LauraLynn’s Senior Play Therapist, said:
“Days like this are incredibly special for the children and their families. Performing on the Abbey Theatre stage is about more than just 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. Very few people can say they’ve performed on the Abbey stage, and for these five families, it will now be part of their child’s story, a day to cherish forever.”
Mark O’Brien, Co-Director of the Abbey Theatre, added:
“It is always a pleasure to welcome the children, their families and friends, and the staff and volunteers of LauraLynn into the Abbey Theatre. It is a privilege to be able to offer our support to LauraLynn in hosting this special performance, which never fails to inspire all the team here.”
The success of The March of the Goldendoodles at the Abbey Theatre highlights the importance of accessibility to the arts. This initiative not only showcases significant and magical moments from each of the LauraLynn children’s lives but also creates lasting and heartfelt memories for their families.
