Mostrim Players bring comedy to County Longford town in honour of late Eileen Spillane

MOSTRIM Players are set to bring plenty of laughter to Edgeworthstown with Drinking Habits, a comedy by Tom Smith, directed by Jimmy Connell.

Since 2013, Mostrim Players have entertained local audiences with their spring and autumn productions, staging both comedy and drama and bringing people together through a shared love of theatre.

After weeks of rehearsals under Jimmy Connell's direction and Marian Sheridan on production, the cast is ready to bring this lively comedy to the stage at St Mary's Community Centre, Edgeworthstown, from Friday, November 13 to Sunday, November 15.

The cast features Kate O'Donohoe as Sr Philomena, Denise Flood as Sr Augusta, John Rooney as George, Mary Killane as Mother Superior, Maeve Reilly as Sally, Liam Farrell as Paul, Richie Cheevers as Fr Chenille and Stacey Donohoe as Sr Mary Catherine.

Speaking to Longford Live, Kate O’Donoghue said “the excitement is mounting” and they are having a “great laugh” in rehearsals. “It's about nuns making wine, so you can imagine there's a lot of mishaps going on.”

She added that the audience can expect lots of laughter. “There's a bit of secrecy as well but the audience can see the secrecy nearly unfolding as the story is going along.”

This production will be especially poignant as the cast dedicate the weekend's performances to the memory of the late Eileen Spillane. Over the years, every cast member has shared the stage with her, and she is greatly missed, both on stage and as a valued member of the production crew.

Ms Donoghue commented: “We're dedicating the play this weekend to her because she was a very valued member of us players, on stage and off stage. She was brilliant at wardrobe, all those other parts that are so important, and we really miss her. I'm running around trying to do five jobs in one because I'm in it as well as doing all the bits and pieces so she was great for doing those things.”

In Eileen's honour, Saturday night's raffle will support LauraLynn, Ireland's Children's Hospice, her favourite charity. It is a special way for the group to remember a much-loved friend who will always be part of Mostrim Players.

Tickets cost €15 and are available exclusively from A&N Gift Shop, Main Street, Edgeworthstown. With only 80 tickets available per performance, early purchase is advised.

Mostrim Players look forward to welcoming audiences for an evening of laughter, entertainment and community spirit.