Back treading the boards in Doonbeg for one-act festival

THERE is much excitement and anticipation for the welcome return of drama to Doonbeg.
The One-Act Drama Festival will take place on Saturday November 13, Sunday 14 and Monday 15 at Doonbeg Community Hall with a host of drama groups from around the county and the country.
Corofin Drama Group; Oakhill Players, Knockerra and Sliabh Aughty, Mountshannon will be joined by groups from Cork, Galway, Leitrim, Offaly and Roscommon in West Clare to entertain audiences with a selection of short plays.
Organised by the volunteer committee of the West Clare Drama Festival, the Doonbeg One-Act usually takes place annually in November, however it was cancelled in 2020 and this year marks it’s 34th undertaking.
Speaking about the festival, Chairperon John Keane said “Doonbeg has established itself as a very popular festival with groups and audiences alike. After what has been a difficult time for everyone and the absence of quality live entertainment this year, people are very much looking forward to the festival now more than ever.
“Drama transports you to other times and places – nothing beats seeing in person how drama groups bring a piece of theatre to life on stage. We are delighted to welcome the groups and the audiences back to Doonbeg.”
The festival offers a wide range of plays to suit all tastes with everything from comedy and farce to tragedy and drama productions.
Nine different plays will be performed by different drama groups over three nights in both Open and Confined sections – the full line-up can be viewed on www.westclaredramafestival.com and Facebook.
The drama groups are competing as part of the amateur drama circuit with the aim of qualifying for the 2021 All-Ireland One-Act Finals in December to be held in Glor Theatre, Ennis.
This year’s adjudicator is Walker Ewart who is a native of Castledawson, County Derry and is currently living in Bangor, County Down. He has been an adjudicator for 23 years, working mainly throughout Ireland and Scotland, and recently discovered in England.
! He has adjudicated the British 1-Act Finals three times; the 3-Act All-Ireland Finals (Open full length and Confined full length and 1-Act) twice; the Ulster Drama Finals and Scottish Finals once each.
In line with Covid-19 Public Health guidelines for indoor entertainment, audience members will be required to produce their digital vaccination certificate or other proof of recovery from Covid-19 plus identification to be permitted entry. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.westclaredramafestival.com and admission price is €12 for Adults or €30 for all 3 nights and €6 for Children. Doors open at 7.30pm with Curtain Up at 8pm sharp.