Saoirse Ronan
Actress

Leigh Arnold

My dearest Pamela,Where do I start? I suppose the beginning is always a good place. I began going to your drama classes is Tullow church when I was about 12. I was always a bit of a day dreamer in school and felt I truly came to life when I was performing. When my parents sent me to your classes I was overjoyed. Finally I had an opportunity to learn what I lived for and loved so much, acting. You always pushed me to achieve my best and were an excellent teacher. 

When I decided to audition for The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC you em… we’re the only person I told! You helped my choose my pieces and prepared me for the gruelling audition process ahead. When I snuck off to London to audition ( not telling my parents) it was your words of encouragement that rang through my ears. I got accepted to AADA that September. It was all thanks to you. Out of over 10,000 people that auditioned for the school from all over the world I was one of 150 that were accepted. 

Not only have you been a wonderful teacher and mentor but you have become a true friend. We have been through a lot together. We started Take2 as we both shared the same vision of creating a local centre of performing arts for young people. It was an extension of your wonderful speech and drama school for which you are so highly thought of. I had to walk away from Take2 for personal reasons but you have continued and made it a massive success. I have no doubt that many future stars are walking through those hall doors every Saturday morning. I am very lucky to have had an excellent career. I starred in ‘The Clinic’ for 6 years, did a huge amount of theatre, a massively successful independent film called ‘Charlie Casanova’ and have just finished my new drama series ‘Deception’ along with another of your past pupils Sam Smith, And for all of this the one person I thank more than anyone is you. I love you and thank you for all your love and support over the years. 

Nicole Jones

I have been attending Pamela Hughes school of drama for 14 years now.. A child who had many hobbies I can firmly say drama was the one thing I looked forward to every week. Thanks to Pamela Hughes I found a genuine passion for something I now love. Pamela has taught my sister and I that drama is not simply acting, it involves teamwork, confidence, courage and personality. Pamela has always challenged me to embrace new challenges, take on new characters and pieces and to step outside my comfort zone. I credit Pamela with developing self confidence in all her pupils and teaching them the valuable skills of life, whether it is to step into a different reality, or the ability to speak eloquently and debate. I am always learning new things, meeting new people, making new connections, and most of all doing what I do best.. Being dramatic. Pamela instils a love of the art within every pupil and teaches us how the act of participation is just as good as winning a medal. We are all stars in her eyes, and she continues to be one in ours 

 Erika Doolan

I attended Speech & Drama classes with Pamela for over 10 years. I loved every minute of it especially mime and performing at the Feis every year. I was an extremely shy child and had not got a lot of confidence but Speech and Drama with Pamela changed my life. It taught me how to express myself, communicate with others and helped me to make the most of my creative personality. Later on, I taught Speech and Drama with Pamela for 2 yrs and then continued on for another 8 years in Wicklow. I now work as a Nutritionist presenting lots of workshops and helping others to understand the importance of diet and lifestyle. I can’t express enough how important Speech and Drama is, it really gives your child a great start in life.

Rebecca Gleeson

‘My drama classes with Pamela were always my favourite time of the week as I was growing up. I attended classes for 13 years with Pamela & enjoyed every minute of them. Speech and drama are brilliant foundations to have; knowing you were able to address a group of people at a young age instils a great confidence in you when you are older and giving a public speech or a presentation. Without the experience I had of feis’ and exams at Pamela’s I wouldn’t have been able to fulfil my dream of attending drama school  and receiving a degree in Acting in Manchester Metropolitan University.

 Ciara Daly

I started speech and drama classes with Pamela Hughes when I was seven, at that time I had no idea that I would go on to complete all grades with the Irish Board of Speech and Drama, or that I would achieve a distinction in the proficiency public speaking examination. I remember the day I first sat in Pamela’s class with my older sister and younger brother we were all so quiet and shy that I don’t think we actually spoke during the entire class.  I am so grateful that my mother was so insistent on us going and made it her business to bring us every week.  I now have  the Associate Diploma (teaching) and the Licentiate Diploma (teaching) and it is with great thanks to Pamela for her belief in me and her support.

    When I first started attending Speech and Drama classes I had no idea how important they were going to be to me or how much they were going to shape my life. Pamela’s classes are always encouraging and fun, which is what helped me grow and gain confidence. I made new friends all the while gaining skills such as public speaking and communication, which have now proven themselves to be invaluable to me. The amazing personal contribution that Pamela makes to the social, creative and communicational development of her students is what inspired me to become a Speech and Drama teacher.

     Drama classes are invaluable to young children and teenagers, they allow children to act out scenes which they may encounter in their everyday lives, such as bullying and peer pressure giving the children ready tools to cope. Development is the main goal and Pamela’s classes have a lot to offer. I have nothing but the fondest of memories from my time as a student of Pamela Hughes.

I am now teaching in Pamela’s school & enjoying every minute of it!

Remembering drama classes, Hanna Byrne.

Ah drama classes. I remember them as if they were only yesterday. And so I should! Because it wasn’t all too long ago since I, once again, stood on that well-known spot on the carpet, arms down straight, no fidgeting, shoulders relaxed and developing tunnel vision by staring at that familiar spot on the wall while desperately trying to remember the words of my poem!

Although I technically haven’t left the classroom yet as I am in the final stages of my Licentiate (Teaching) Diploma, I remember very fondly the early memories of being a pupil of Pamela’s. I remember the first poem I ever said: The Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll. I also remember how intrigued (and slightly intimidated) I was by the rigorous code enforced when saying poetry or when introducing an improvisation or a solo drama. It amazes me how, after all these years, the same format is still followed without fail! 

I remember the stress before exams and Feis’ and the excitement when they were over and the results came in. I remember panicking about not having my lines perfect because I wanted to do everything in my power to avoid that famous ‘look’ or slight panic-attack Pamela would have as the dates of examination or performance got closer and closer! I would be more afraid of disappointing her than failing the exam. Those days definitely taught me to work at the highest standards possible – something I still try in every aspect of my life today.

Most of all I remember the laughter, the friends and the imagination. I never didn’t want to go to Drama class because it was a chance to unleash my creativity and build my confidence. I learned to work hard and have fun while doing it. There was always a feeling of accomplishment after every class – something I wouldn’t have gotten had I decided to stay home and watch TV! 

Currently I am studying BCL – Law with History at UCD and am (slowly!) completing my dissertation for the Licentiate (Teaching) Diploma to become a drama teacher. I spent a year assisting Pamela with her classes every Tuesday and helped backstage at her Take2 Performing Arts shows. This year I am doing my Erasmus in Berlin where I would love to get involved in the German drama scene. 

Rebecca Garrett

“When I was younger I tried my hand at many activities, my poor mother and father spent half their lives driving me to tennis/swimming/basketball/ballet etc and of course my weekly drama class with Pamela. I eventually lost interest ( as many kids do) with the numerous hobbies and sports and never spent longer than a year at most of them, all except one .. drama! I always looked forward to the weekly classes and even though effort and time had to be paid, I really didn’t mind because I enjoyed the work, the challenge and the friendships I made along the way.  Even in a class of 12/15 students, Pamela somehow manages to include, motivate and give one-to-one time to each and every one of us. None of us had to be there but we wanted to and I believe that is because of Pamela. She is caring, motivating ,hard working and encourages each of her students to reach their own potential , best of all she does it with a smile. She has helped me in so many ways, but most of all to build confidence in myself and for that I will always be grateful . I’ll be sure to mention her in my Oscar wining speech!! ” 

 Jane McGrath

When I first walked into Pamela’s acting school, I was eleven years old and quite nervous because I had never done an acting class in my life. From the age of ten I knew I wanted to be in the performing arts. Pamela was very welcoming and I fell in love with the atmosphere in the class and looked forward to it every week. It was a lot of fun and Pamela was very encouraging and she really boosted my confidence!

I did all my certificate exams up to when I was eighteen years old.

I went straight into the Gaiety School of Acting for two years in 2007 after school and got one of the top agents in Ireland. I have learnt a lot about the acting industry and I am still learning. I am so happy that I started the drama classes at a young age. It is an unpredictable world that I am working in but that is what makes it so exciting! Pamela gave me such a great start

& I am so thankful to her for that, wishing you many many more years of happy teaching Pamela & thank you so much.

Aideen Fallon

I began Speech and Drama with Pamela as a shy and quiet six year old. Fifteen years later I can honestly say that Drama is the best thing that I have ever done. I have gained great confidence and an ability to speak in public as well as loving every single minute along the way. Pamela is a truly amazing person who is adored by her students. Throughout the years I have performed in many Feis competitions and completed many Speech, Drama and Public Speaking exams. Recently, I have began teaching Speech and Drama and with Pamela’s help, I have completed the Associate Diploma with the ‘Irish Board of Speech & Drama’ and I am currently working towards the Licentiate Diploma. Congratulations on 25 years Pamela, I can’t thank you enough for all you have done for me.

What our Parents said about ‘Wish Upon A Star’ (Pavilion Theatre 27th & 28th April 2013)

“Wow Pamela, I’m completely blown away. You and the team have surpassed yourselves. The show was fantastic. Such amazing confidence shown by the kids. What a great gift for them to have developed that at such a young age.  I was bursting with pride to see my Clodagh shining brightly and loving every second.  She has gone to bed inconsolable once again. She can’t bear the fact that’s it’s over,  she really has been on cloud 9 for the last week. ‘ So thanks for everything and congratulations on such a great  success” – Liz Rolland

“Pamela, First off, well done on the performance!  it was absolutely fabulous and Dani really enjoyed herself. She would love to return to Take2 classes in September, so please put her name down!” – Teresa. 

“HI Pamela and all of the gang. Congrats on a wonderful set of performances last weekend! Absolutely Fabulous!” – Best wishes, Martina & David

 “Congratulations on a wonderful show Pamela!!!  Alex really enjoyed it – thanks so much. The script, costumes, dancing and singing were all fantastic! Shauna and the other ‘Action girls were amazing, flawless and great role models for the younger ones :-)” – Fiona x

“Thanks Pamela. The show was amazing . Tara will definitely be returning to Take2 and dancing next year!  Many thanks” – Karen Doran

“Hi Pamela, Many thanks for show last weekend, the girls really enjoyed it and we all loved it. Well done. Kind regards” – Silvia Cleary 

 “Hi Pamela, Congrats on a fabulous show last week end.  The standard was truly fantastic.  Kind regards” – Yvonne 

“Pamela well done to you and your team again, Best wishes” – Elizabeth 

“Hi Pamela ,Just wanted to say Laura  loves Take2, she really enjoys the classes. You have all brought her on so much.  The show was brilliant well done and thanks to all involved. It’s great when your daughter enjoys something so  much. See u soon, X” – Denise and Joe Cosgrave

“Hi Pamela. Many congratulations on the show last weekend – it was fantastic & the costumes were gorgeous. Well done to you, Therese & all the team in Take”” – Lorraine.

 “Thank you,  great show, Congratulations” – Lisa Fitzpatrick

 “Thank you for a truly amazing show” – Jane Golden

 “Congrats to you all on another great show” – Catherine Hickey

 “Many thanks to you both and all the crew for two great shows. Saoirse and Isabel loved every second.  Dominic was still singing High School Musical this morning!” Phil O’Keeffe