This year’s stage production from the Scartaglin based Sliabh Luachra Drama Group is Sharon’s Grave by John B. Keane.
The play will open at the village heritage centre this weekend and run over Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 3rd. 4th. and 5th. and on the following weekend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10th. 11th. and 12th. Curtain up nightly at 8pm sharp.
“We’re delighted to be staging a John B. Keane play again. It’s been four years since we did one of his plays and they always go down so well with our audiences,” said group spokesperson, Moira Hughes.
A Fantastic Playwright
“Sive, The Year of the Hiker and Moll have been our three previous John B. productions. A fantastic playwright who uses wonderful humour to captivate his audiences from beginning to end – it is always so enjoyable to play one of John B. Keane’s characters.
“Sharon’s Grave is a powerful play. It’s the second play he wrote after he had completed Sive and we can see a lot of similarities between the two. We are delighted to have a cast of 11 again this year. We have a few familiar faces and we are delighted to welcome a new member on stage as well and the play will be directed by Nora Walsh,” said Moira.
Based around the Conlee household. Trouble is brewing as Donal Conlee takes to his deathbed. His lonely daughter must fight for her land and protect her brother against the scheming of their malignant cousin.
©Photograph: John Reidy
Mystery and Folklore
It’s a story of land-lust, mystery and folklore is a classic tale, set against the rugged landscape of Ireland in the 1920s.
The cast is as follows: Donal Conlee: Thade Hickey; Peadar Minogue: Tim Dineen; Trassie Conlee: Moira Hughes; Neelus Conlee: Danny McClure; Dinzie: Freddie Galvin; Jack Conlee: John Walsh; Mague: Mary Fleming; Moll: Joan O’ Connell; Woman one: Mairéad Cronin; Tom Shaun: Sean McGuire; Miss Dee: Geraldine Piggott and Pats Bo Bwee: Dermot O’ Leary.
“We are very fortunate to have a fantastic team of people involved again this year. We have a very hard working cast and back stage group. Its because of these people and the people who help out over the six nights – front of house, the heritage centre staff and our wonderful sponsors that have made our group go from strength to strength,” Moira added.
A Huge Success
Last year’s play by the Sliabh Luachra Drama Group was Far Off Hills by Lennox Robinson and it was a huge success. The group did six sell-out nights and had to add extra performances to cope with the demands.
They also took part in the West Limerick Drama Festival in Knockaderry last March with the play and they picked up four award nominations in the following: Best female actor: Moira Hughes; Best supporting actress: Geraldine Piggott; Best Actor; Dermot O’Leary and Best director: Nora Walsh.
A Great Story
The group members were delighted when Danny McClure took the Best Male Actor award over the six nights, playing the part of Harrold.
This year’s production promises to be a great play with a great story, wonderful characters and some very good humour. It’s a production which the group feels its audiences should really enjoy.
Bookings can be made on: 087 24 34 000. Admissions: Adults €10 and concessions €8. Book early to avoid disappointment.
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