THE Kilfenora Dramatic Society return to the stage this week performing in the acclaimed comedy ‘It’s the Real McCoy’.
The players are looking forward to getting back on stage in Kilfenora Hall following a break due to Covid and they will be performing shows on December 2, 3 and 4 at 8pm.
The phenomenally successful play was written by Tommy Marren, a playwright and radio broadcaster from County Mayo. The action takes place over two days in the spring of 1964 in the humble abode of Madge Molloy – a woman in her mid-60s who has for 40 years wondered why her husband Tom, to whom she was married for just four months, disappeared without trace or reason.
The cast of this production comprises John Howard, Paul Carkill, Willie Cahir, Mary Buckley, Lisa Carkill, Caroline O’Dea and Eileen Hegarty; the stage crew is Mary McCormack, Michael O’Loughlin, and Pat and John Lynch under the direction of Fr Ned Crosby.
A spokesperson for the society said, “Some years ago, the Mullagh Dramatic Society provided a few hilarious nights with their production of Tommy Marren’s play ‘It’s the Real McCoy’. Since then the play has toured the country and has performed before capacity audiences.
“Finally, after the years of close down the Kilfenora Dramatic Society presents the play in Kilfenora Hall on Friday, Saturday and Sunday December, 2, 3 and 4 at 8pm.”
Speaking about the play he said, “It is difficult to describe the play. A farce or a comedy? Funny or sad? People laugh, people cry. It’s the Real McCoy! Various bits and pieces of ourselves show up in the play.”
The spokesperson continued, “In the distant past the Kilfenora/Inchovea Players were winners at the All Ireland Drama Festival with MJ Molloy’s play the Wood of the Whispering. Nora Mc Mahon, Maura Fitzpatrick, John Arkins, Frank Kearney, John Joe Conway, Mr Honan are still faithfully remembered. This year the society remembers with great affection Margaret Vaughan. Her spirit and support are not forgotten.”
The society also acknowledge the support of Clare Champion and photographer John Kelly over the years. The spokesperson concluded, “The word theatre comes from the Greeks. It means “the seeing place”. In Kilfenora the theatre is also a “hearing place” – up front or down back, every word will be heard.”
Tickets for the performances are only available on the door on the night with those hoping to catch the show urged to “get there early to avoid disappointment”.