drama Societies
Lorrha Variety Group
The Lorrha Variety Society has been producing plays, by Irish writers for over 13 years. We welcome new members.
Rathcabbin Players
Rathcabbin Drama Group was founded after a well-attended Rathcabbin Hall Committee meeting on 24th October 1984. The meeting aimed to establish clubs to fundraise for the hall and offer social activities to the community. Chaired by Michael Houlihan, the committee sought to create a drama group, led by Michael O’Meara, also known as Mick O’The Hill, who had long been involved in staging plays in the area.
The first Drama Group meeting took place on 7th November 1984, with key members like Michael Hoctor, Mary Anne Brophy, and Marguerite Walsh. Hoctor was elected chairman, and Walsh took on the role of secretary/treasurer. Michael O’Meara agreed to direct two one-act plays, “The Dear Departed” and “A Cure For Nerves,” which were successfully performed on 3rd February 1985.
Encouraged by this success, the group staged more performances throughout the year. In 1986, they performed their first three-act play, “Paul Twyning.” For years, Michael O’Meara continued to source and produce the plays until outside directors were enlisted in 1988. Rathcabbin Drama Group has since staged annual three-act plays, expanding its audience while maintaining strong community support, continuing to be a beacon of creativity in the region.
Past Productions
“A Wake in the West” by Michael J. Ginnelly.
In a quaint Irish fishing village, the comedic chaos ensues during Tom Healy’s wake. As locals gather to celebrate his overindulgent life, their amusing antics highlight the community’s unique bonds.
“Widows Paradise” by Sam Cree
A fun-filled play chronicles the escapades of five women on a “no men allowed” holiday. However, chaos ensues when three men mistakenly join them, leading to comedic misunderstandings!
Tom, Dick and Harry.” by Ray Cooney and Michael Cooney
The tale follows Tom, a London entrepreneur, and his wife Linda, eagerly anticipating an adoption agent’s visit. Chaos ensues when Tom’s comical brothers, Dick and Harry, drop by unexpectedly!
‘Canaries’ by Bernard Farrell
“The Two Loves of Gabriel Foley” is a comedic play set in rural Ireland, focusing on the romantic misadventures of its titular character. The story revolves around Gabriel Foley, a middle-aged bachelor farmer who lives with his elderly mother, Aggie Foley. Gabriel has been unlucky in love numerous times, much to his mother’s frustration.
The Two Loves of Gabriel Foley by Jimmy Keary
“The Two Loves of Gabriel Foley” is a comedic play set in rural Ireland, focusing on the romantic misadventures of its titular character. The story revolves around Gabriel Foley, a middle-aged bachelor farmer who lives with his elderly mother, Aggie Foley. Gabriel has been unlucky in love numerous times, much to his mother’s frustration.
“Mother Knows Best” by Jimmy Keary
Written in 2002, the play centers around Nick Cassidy, a painter who rekindles a friendship with Suzy, the youngest daughter of the McDermott family, while working on a painting job for them. As their relationship develops, the play delves into the contrasting relationships between Suzy and her parents, particularly highlighting the differences in how her mother, Tess, and father, Harry, interact with her
“Poor Beast in the Rain” by Billy Roche
The story centers on Eileen, who works in her father’s betting shop. Her life takes an unexpected turn when Danger Doyle returns to town. Danger’s arrival causes a shift in the dynamics of the characters’ relationships and brings up unresolved issues from the past.
“Wanted – One Body!” by Charles Dyer
“Wanted – One Body!” is described as a “ripping good yarn” full of sliding panels and trap doors, with half the cast immersed in the thriller aspects and the other half “running riot” in comedic chaos. The play aims to entertain audiences with its blend of suspense, humor, and classic whodunit elements.
“Wild Goose Chase” by Derek Benfield
The story is set in a crumbling stately home owned by an impoverished aristocratic family. The main character, Chester Dreadnought, bluffs his way into this residence. The play also features a trigger-happy belted Earl suffering from hallucinations, adding to the comedic elements of the farce.
“Drinking Habits” by Tom Smith
The play revolves around two nuns from the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing who secretly produce wine to keep their convent financially afloat. The plot thickens when two reporters, Paul and Sally, who have a romantic history, go undercover as a nun and a priest to investigate the nuns’ activities. This leads to a series of misunderstandings and humorous situations as they attempt to uncover the truth while dealing with their past relationship.
“Thy Will Be Done” by Michael Carey
The play is set in a rural Irish context and delves into a situation that is not uncommon in Irish life. It reflects on the long-standing feuds and estrangements that can occur within families, particularly between siblings. The central conflict revolves around Jack and Peteen, the two brothers who have maintained their silence for decades despite their physical proximity.
“Stop it nurse” by sam cree
Set in a men’s surgical ward of a large hospital in Belfast, the narrative revolves around the interactions of various characters, including Bert Cooper, who faces marital issues, and Harold Smiley, who has a weak bladder. Their mundane hospital stay is disrupted by the arrival of two rival football supporters, Sammy McCracken and Frank Devlin, leading to a series of humorous conflicts and misunderstandings.
“Nobody’s Talking to Me” by Tommy Marron
The play centers around Mattie and Maggie Conway, a married couple who haven’t spoken to each other for 10 years. Their silence is known only to their daughter Josephine and Mattie’s sister Minnie. The plot takes a comedic turn when the local parish priest decides to surprise the couple by renewing their marriage vows on their 50th anniversary, which leads to a series of hilarious revelations.
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