WEEKEND OF TOP CLASS DRAMA IN CASTLELYONS

The theatrical spotlight was on Castlelyons last weekend as the village played host to its 9th annual one-act drama festival.

Taking their chances at this prestigious event were Kilworth Dramatic Society, Brideview Drama Group, Swan Music & Theatre Company, Take 5 Drama Group, Coachford Drama Group, Saoirse (Cork City) Lorca (Cork City), Haulbowline Theatre Group and Banteer Drama Group.

Undoubtedly the appalling weather was a factor in keeping some people away. However, those that did visit Castlelyons Community Centre during the 3 nights were treated to some excellent drama. The always difficult task of adjudication rested with Richie Walsh from Ballyduff who did his job with customary professionalism.

The results were as follows: Billy Leahy Perpetual Cup for best play - Haulbowline Theatre Group; Donal Crowley Perpetual Cup for best circuit play - Brideview Drama Group; Best producer - Saoirse; Best first time producer - Saoirse; Best circuit actor - Patrick Smith (Brideview DG); Best circuit actress - Noelle Clarke (Take 5 DG); Best supporting actor - Charles McCarthy (Kilworth DS); Best supporting actress - Marie Gubbins (Take 5 DG); Best newcomer - Jennifer Hough (Saoirse); Youth award - Orla Arnold (Kilworth DS); Magic moment of theatre - Lily Malone’s appearance on stage (Saorise); Best Non circuit actor - David Long (Lorca).

This year’s festival co-ordinator was Jenny O’Flaherty, she was ably assisted by Alma Fenton (chairperson), Yvonne Fenlon (secretary), James Parker (treasurer) and Paul Murphy (PRO). Prior to the adjudication, Bartlemy based seanchai, John Arnold entertained the audience.

Cork County Council who assist with festival sponsorship were represented by Cllr Pa O’Driscoll (Rathcormac), Cllr Kevin O’Keeffe (Ballindangan) and Cllr Frank O’Flynn (Glanworth).

ROBIN HOOD & CO HEADING FOR FERMOY

Robin Hood and his merry men are heading for Fermoy – they’re also heading for a showdown with the Sheriff of Rottingham.

The good news is that locals have a chance to follow all the action when this much loved tale starts its run in the Fermoy Community Youth Centre on Friday evening, December 18 at 7.30pm.

Attempting to keep a lid on a potentially explosive encounter is stage veteran Kevin McCormack. Kevin has assembled an all-star cast with Kenneth Speight leading the charge as the legendary long bow marksman with Mikey Dunne playing the role of sidekick Little John.

Robin’s love interest is Aisling McDonnell (Maid Marian) with Brendan Dunlea doing his damndest as the good-for-nothing sheriff, he is aided and abetted by Prince John (Joe Mullins). No panto is complete without a large, loud, enthusiastic and up for it bunch of youngsters and, true to form, they’ve turned out in force for this Christmas classic.

Numbering 120 in total, the youngsters are drawn from surrounding schools and by all accounts can’t wait for their moment to shine.

Given the calibre of individuals involved a really professional show is guaranteed, unlike televised entertainment over the holiday season, this isn’t dubbed, recorded or edited – this is a live performance in real time – this is panto.

Early booking is advisable, tickets €10 each (family tickets available for €35, 2 adults & 2 children). Further details from 025-32042.

‘MOTHER KNOWS BEST’ IN EMLY

On this weekend - Friday, Saturday, Sunday, November 27, 28 and 29, Emly Variety Players present ‘Mother Knows Best’, a three act comedy by Jimmy Keary in St Ailbe’s Hall, Emly at 8.15pm.

The play revolves around Tess McDermott a domineering, social climbing mother who is determined her daughter Suzy will marry Adrian Bird, a young man who as Tess says “is involved in finance”.

Suzy who dislikes Adrian is equally determined to twarth her mother’s plans. Luckily she meets Nick Cassidy, a former boyfriend and a painter, and their love for one another is rekindled. Tess decides that this romance must be ended and uses every means at her disposal, fair and foul, to achieve her aims.

The play takes many twists and turns before its conclusion and unexpected end. The cast members are Cathal Hayes, Mary Condon, Liam Ring, Marita Mulhall, Esther Stokes, Paudy Heffernan, Brid Condon, Jonas Callanan, Julie Hayes, Nicola Browne.

If you want to banish the blues, forget the rain, and have a good laugh be in Emly for the weekend.

‘LOADED DOG’ DOES WELL FOR BRIDEVIEW

A huge ‘well done’ to all involved in Brideview Drama’s one-act comedy, ‘The Loaded Dog’, written by our own James Hyde. With 5 performances completed at various Munster drama festivals, the group did very well, securing a number of prizes.

Behind the scenes the three actors had much help from members of the group. Patrick Smith, Orla Devlin and John O’Dea had great fun rehearsing and performing the play, and entertaining audiences.

Matthew Kavanagh was congratulated on many occasions for his soundscape, sound effects and lighting plot, Monica Murphy did excellent work as stage manager and the play benefitted from all sorts of props and advice provided by Jack Aherne.

This silly, exhausting, full-action comedy went to five festivals during November: Ballincollig (where it came second), Rossmore, Haulbowline, Cork and Castlelyons (where it won the ‘best play’ award – nice one for the director, James Hyde).

Patrick won a very well-deserved best actor award at Castlelyons plus two nominations for the same award at other festivals. Orla got a nomination for best actor in Cork (great for someone on their first outing on the national circuit, and competing at ‘open’ level), and John was admired by many for his very good vocal delivery.

‘TOM, DICK AND HARRY

Rehearsals for Brideview’s January 2010 farce, ‘Tom, Dick & Harry’ continue apace with David Murphy at the helm. The set is taking shape and doors can be heard slamming (on set!) in the Tallow Community Centre, so audiences can look forward to another energetic, action packed ride.

The cast includes Will Motherway, Sean Tobin, James Hyde, John Roche, Audrey Sheehan, Mary Curley, Emer Martin, Martin Sheehan and Tomas Roche. Stage management is being ably performed by Sarah Curley (Allen).

Finally, if you want to see hundreds of pictures from David Murphy’s ‘Christening Party’ comedy held back in September in Tallow in aid of the Tallow Community Council, visit the following website http://tallow.myphotoalbum.com.

Many thanks to Brian Fitzgerald for the photos.

KILWORTH DRAMATIC SOCIETY’S SUCCESS IN CASTLELYONS

Well done to our dramatic society who picked up a number of accolades at the Castlelyons annual one-act drama festival last Sunday evening.

We are fortunate enough that we have a pool of talent that allows us to draw on some members that have not appeared in more recent productions mixing with some new players.

‘After I’m Gone’ was produced by Yvonne Seymour who also played a key role in this play. She was accompanied by Orla Arnold, who picked up Best Youth award, on her first time treading the floorboards, the experienced Charlie McCarthy who picked up the best supporting actor award, and finally Ann Hurley who also gave a very impressive performance on the evening.

Yvonne would like to thank all involved, front and backstage, for the contribution to this production.

We are fortunate that they have decided to host another evening of this production locally. This will be held in the newly refurbished Kilworth Community Hall on Sunday evening, 6th December, as part of a variety concert.

We would like to welcome all members of the public to what is guaranteed to be a very entertaining evening.

BRIDEVIEW’S ‘PIED A TERRE’ FOR CORK AND KILWORTH

Brideview Drama’s ‘Pied a Terre’ directed by Jack Aherne, will be staged in Cork and Kilworth on Dec 3 and 5 respectively.

The group completed their second performance at Aghada Community Centre near Midleton during the week. Once again the set looked superb (designed by Mary Sheehan and built by Jack, Eddie, Peter, Judy and Ger) and a large crowd attended despite the horrific weather conditions!

Thanks again to Judy - the speed dresser in the wings, and to John Roche for his support performing the thankless task of sitting in the wings and hanging and re-hanging pictures as required!

Two more performances next week - Thursday, December 3rd at the Cork Arts Theatre and Saturday 5th in Kilworth Arts Centre. Come along if you haven’t seen it yet at either of these two lovely venues and the cast and crew would appreciate the support!

‘SHOSTAKOVICH’ AT FRIAR’S GATE THEATRE

On this Thursday, November 26, Jack Healy will present his one man show, ‘Shostakovich’ at Friar’s Gate Theater, Kilmallock.

The show is based on the life of Soviet composer Dmitri Shostakovich. Booking for all shows on 063-98727 / www.friarsgate.ie.