Offaly Drama Group present the premiere of Finders Keepers
RATH Drama Group are returning to the stage this month with the premiere of Jimmy Keary's 23rd three act stage play 'Finders Keepers'.
After an enforced absence due to Covid 19, everyone is delighted to see the group return to Rath Hall on Friday March 10th, Saturday March 11th and Sunday March 12th at 8pm each night.
They are delighted to have Louise McEvoy back with the group to direct for the fifth time. Other plays she has directed for Rath Drama include 'Mother Knows Best', 'Widow's Paradise', 'The Course' and 'Holiday Snap'.
This year they have gone back to a Jimmy Keary play and it will be its first performance on an Irish stage.
Finders Keepers tells the story of farmer Bernie Bennett, who has had a relationship of convenience with another local farmer, Michael Kennedy, but now she’s looking for commitment from him. However, Michael is not so sure. Unfortunately, while Michael is dithering Bernie falls under the spell of well-to-do farmer, Sam Cullen, a man Michael doesn’t like. The more Michael tries to sway Bernie from Sam, the more she is drawn to him. Matters are further complicated by Bernie’s man-mad half-sister, Shelagh, who is living with her.
Since its inaugural production of 'Big Maggie' in 2010 the Rath Drama group has gone from strength to strength, producing many well-known plays such as Don’t Dress for Dinner, Wake in the West, Callaghan’s Place, Fortunes and Misfortunes, Mother Knows Best and Widows Paradise. The group has engaged the expertise and talents of the wonderful directors Anne Clarke, Brendan Dolan, Adrian Shine and Louise McEvoy.
The group hold their productions in Rath Community Hall, a place in which many a friendship has been forged during rehearsals over the years. The group has always been a place for people to meet and have some fun, both on and off the stage! The support shown to Rath Drama from the local and extended community has been unwavering over the years. Comedies have proved popular among audiences, but even the more serious productions have drawn full houses.
The characters in this year's production are described as follows:
Bernie Bennett - a hard-working single farmer in her forties
Shelagh Flaherty - Bernie’s slightly younger, flirtatious half-sister
Michael Kennedy - A local farmer with an eye for Bernie
Sam Cullen - a well-to-do local farmer, who catches Bernie’s eye
Mark Costello - a solicitor – one of Shelagh’s many men friends
Brenda Costello - Mark’s fiery wife
Kay Carroll - a friend of Brenda’s
Paddy Molloy - an older farmer friend of Michael’s
Sharon O’Rourke - Michael’s sour sister.
The play will be staged in Rath Hall on Friday March 10th, Saturday March 11th and Sunday March 12th at 8pm each night. Booking line (086) 0548143.