'Things that resonate today' as Longford audiences are invited to see drama group's 'Sive'

Newtowncashel Drama Group is doing their own version of John B Keane’s ‘Sive’ on February 27-28 and March 1. It will take place in the group’s iconic venue, The Hill, and admission is €10 per person. The group did a throwback post in early February, reminiscing when they last did it in 1985, supplying archival photos and a cast list. In 2026, this much-loved tragedy is back in The Hill to once again be appreciated by both cast and audience.

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This drama group has existed in one form or another over the last century, only missing approximately five productions due to Covid-19 and the war years. They have always had something going on, and this version of the group has existed for over 30. Current director, Dermot Healy, said that it was formerly known as the Newtowncashel Dramatic Society. Regardless of its name, the group has always garnered huge interest, with them striving for the best shows and performances.

“We started back in November and we’ve been rehearsing probably more or less three nights per week before Christmas and got more intense after it. Now it’s four nights and long days on Saturdays and Sundays,” said Dermot. “There was one time we started at 9 and finished at 6. But it’s good craic. That’s what we get out of it. We enjoy performance nights but it’s the comradery, and having fun with the characters.

“Sive is a very sad play; it’s John B Keane’s very first play. It started off a long career in playwriting. There are things that resonate today.”

The play stars: Brian Kelly (Liam Scuab); Tom Conlon (Mike Glavin); Senan Dermody (Carthalawn); James Skelly (Pats Bocock); Syl Healy (Thomasheen Sean Rua); Barbara Martin (Nanna Glavin); Marie Fallon (Mena Glavin); Tony Tiernan (Sean Dota) and Eabha Healy (Sive). Lucy Flynn is the backstage assistant and Dermot works as both the producer and director.
Dermot says that 'Sive' is a great play for its lack of morality in many of the characters concerning Sive’s predicament. For money, her guardians want to sell her off to marriage with an older man, and thwart her romance with the character of Liam. It is a story of the times. Arranged marriages were beginning to die out in the 1950s, but John B Keane’s impactful writing and plot structure show the trials and misery that such a situation can bring for the individuals involved.

As for his own involvement in the play, he added the following:

“I’ve been directing for 13 years. I love it. It was one of the first plays I’ve ever seen, at 19, if I’ve got my maths correct. I was blown away by this play. It’s one of the plays that encouraged me to get involved. I’ve missed about four or five years in the last 41, involved in one way or another. 12-13 years, I started directing. We’ve great fun with the actors. I don’t see myself as a director. It’s a group effort and we put so much into it.”

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The Hill is where the group often performs their productions, but they have also appeared in the Backstage Theatre, Bog Lane Theatre and Edgeworthstown for charity events.

As to any final words before the opening night, Dermot said:

“Just to see that come and enjoy a good night’s entertainment in Sive. A fantastically powerful play. You’re invited to come.”
To book, call: (087) 380 4481 .