Kilkenny's Barn Owl Players stage one-act festival at the Barn on John's Quay

Local drama group, the Barn Owl Players, will host their annual one act festival at the Barn Studio, home of Barnstorm Theatre Company in the Home Rule Club on John’s Quay this weekend.

The festival promises to be a fantastic showcase of talent, featuring two one-act plays performed by some of the region’s most talented actors. This year’s festival features contemporary plays Baggage by Bev Clarke and In Sickness and Health by Tom Casling.

Baggage by Bev Clark is a heartwarming drama about two completely different people who meet at a bus stop. Sandra, a busy wife and mother, is helped by Annie, who is going through a tough time. Despite their initial assumptions about each other, they eventually find common ground and form a strong bond in this funny and empathetic play.

The play features Ita Morrissey, who has returned to the stage after a long tenure as a writer and director, and Natasha Murray, a long-time Barn Owl and regular performer on Kilkenny stages.

The play is directed by Delia Lowery, a well-known Kilkenny actor and director.

This is the first time the play has been performed outside the UK, and the writer, Bev Clark, sent a message of luck to the group.

Tom Casling’s play, In Sickness and Health, delves into the complexities of a relationship when one partner falls ill. The plot revolves around Val, who is trying to cope with her husband Tom’s dementia, and how he transforms from her loving partner to someone who needs her constant care. As Tom’s health deteriorates, Val is faced with difficult decisions about their future, leading to a moving and heartfelt journey.

The play features Jim Carroll, one of Barn Owl’s longest-running members and a well-known personality among the Kilkenny theatre audience. Nancy Rochford Flynn portrays the character of Val. She has been a part of the New Ross Drama Workshop for a long time and has acted in several plays throughout the region. This is her second performance with Barn Owls.
The play is directed by Philip Hardy, the artistic director of Barnstorm Theatre Company.

“We are thrilled to be bringing our Annual One Act Festival to the Barn Studio on John’s Quay,” said Mags Whitely, the festival producer.

“This is such a beautiful and historic location, and it’s the perfect setting for our festival. We can’t wait to share our love of theatre with the local community. The Barn Owl Players have been entertaining audiences in the region for over a decade, and their One Act Festival is a highlight of the local cultural calendar. The festival celebrates the group’s commitment to producing high-quality theatre that is accessible to everyone,” she added.

The Barn Owl Players Annual One Act Festival will take place at the Barn Studio on John’s Quay from May 16 to 18 at 8pm. Tickets are available now, and booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

For more information about the festival visit www.gr8events.ie/barnowlplayers