Excitement builds ahead of Shercock Drama Festival
THEATRE 35th Annual Shercock Drama Festival runs from March 16-24
This Thursday, March 16 marks the start a week of top quality theatre as the Shercock Drama Festival gets underway.
Eight groups from Tyrone to Wexford and Louth to Galway make up an intriguing and varied programme. Four groups contest the open section while the same number compete in the confined section, all with the aim of securing a place in their respective All Ireland Finals.
A new play by Waterford writer Jim Nolan comes to the festival. ‘The Red Iron’ will be performed by the Wexford Group Ballycogley Players. As crowds gather on Waterford’s Quay to greet the county’s vanquished All-Ireland hurling team the now middle-aged members of a teenage gang return to the city’s long abandoned Red Iron Bridge to remember their recently deceased friend. This night of theatre is kindly sponsored by Shercock Credit Union.
Friday, March 17 sees the return of the 2017 All Ireland Open Winners Dalkey Players, Dublin to the Shercock stage. Their presentation of ‘By the Bog of Cats’ is eagerly awaited, set in rural Ireland Marina Carr’s play follows the life of Hester Swaine, a woman whose joy is destroyed by the men in her life. The play is a powerful exploration of love, betrayal, and revenge, perfectly set in the unique beauty of Ireland's countryside. This night of theatre is kindly sponsored by Niamh Smyth TD.
On Saturday, March 18 Kilmuckridge bring John B Keane’s timeless classic Sive to Shercock. This play tells the story of a young girl being matched with Sean Dota, a much older gentleman, while she is in love with Liam Scuab. A Kerry based play performed by a Wexford based troupe. This night of theatre is kindly sponsored by James R Frazer Hardware Kingscourt.
Sunday, March 19 sees the Galway based group Glenamaddy Players take the stage with their production of “Proof” by David Auburn. “Proof” tells a thoughtful story of Catherine, the daughter of an extraordinary mathematician who struggles to find her place in the academic world. This gripping drama is a fascinating exploration of genius, mental illness, and the complexity of family relationships. This night of theatre is kindly sponsored by Fullwood.
Monday 20th March, we welcome Lislea Dramatic Players Co Armagh and their production of “See how they Run” by Phillip King. “See how they Run” is a delightful comedy of errors, featuring mistaken identities and hilarious misadventures. This play will leave you laughing and gasping for breath as the characters navigate their way through various comedic situations. This night of theatre is kindly sponsored by Cllr Sarah O’Reilly
Tuesday, March 21 Sees the return of Newtownstewart Theatre Company. The Tyrone group give us “Midden” by Morna Regan. “Midden” is a story of five women, from three generations, and a prodigal daughter's return. After 15 years in Philadelphia, Ruth has built up a business successful enough to bring her home to Derry. But instead of the welcome she has longed for her arrival provokes instant strife, opening old scars and revealing incendiary secrets. This night of theatre is kindly sponsored by Apex Hearing.
The festival takes a break on Wednesday, March 22 to accommodate Shercock’s popular weekly Bingo session.
Thursday 23rd sees the return of another popular troupe Dundalk Theatre Workshop with their production of “Faith Healer” by Brian Friel. In the course of four monologues the story unfolds of the travelling healer Frank who has gone all over Wales and Scotland with his wife Grace, and his manager Teddy. In their respective monologues, Frank, Grace and Teddy tell their differing versions of the healer's performance and of a terrible event that slowly comes into focus. This night of theatre is kindly sponsored by Link Credit Union.
On Friday, March 24 we welcome our third Wexford group to the festival Bridge Drama Group will perform Big Big Sky by Tom Wells. Set in Kilnsea, East Yorkshire. Angie and Lauren are closing up the café for another winter; the birds have gone south and taken the tourists with them. The last visitor is Lauren’s father Dennis, stopping by for his pasty and beans. But there’s another arrival – one that’s unforeseen and life changing for them all. This night of theatre is kindly sponsored by McEvoy’s Pharmacy.
Then it’s down to adjudicator Rose O’Neill to decide the destination of The Tabetex Trophy, presented to the Open Section Winners and the Fr Patsy Young Trophy, sponsored by Angretia Ltd, awarded to the leading group in the Confined Category. The committee is grateful to Tabetex Ltd for the part they have played as main sponsor of the festival from its inception, as well as Cavan County Council, Angretia Ltd, Mc Nally’s Centra Shercock & Newbliss, Sillan Tours, Tom O’Brien, The Bridge Tavern Canningstown, Duffy’s Costcutter and all sponsors listed in the colourful programme. A season ticket costing €80 is good value, while this year sees the introduction of a four-night ticket priced at €40.
A reminder that Friday 17th and Thursday 23rd are not suitable for children.
The 8pm starting time is strictly adhered to, with no admission during the performance. The festival will be opened by Rita Connell Chairperson of the Ulster branch of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland while All Ireland One Act award winning director Irene Yore from Millrace Drama Group in Mullagh will perform the closing ceremony. The great community support that the festival has always enjoyed is always appreciated. On with the show!