Dundalk’s Friary Hall to host charming comedy Big Splash, Small Fish

Spacers drama group will present 'Big Splash, Small Fish' by Jim Keane at the Friary Hall in Dundalk on April 23rd, 24th and 25th April.

The action takes place  in a quiet rural village, where the somewhat jaded local pub is the centre of activity. The regulars convene to discuss events and enjoy a relaxing drink at the end of the day. Some less honourable members of the populace are operating on a secretive agenda which is likely to disrupt the quiet pace of village life. 

As the story unfolds revealing the characters that make up this rural tableau, we come to discover that everyone involved has their own hopes, dreams and ambitions – not all of which are motivated by the common good. 

Breda O'Brien, played by Denise Tighe is the owner of the pub. She doesn't suffer fools gladly and has her hands full with some of the local populace! Dutiful and loyal, Breda can't help wondering if there isn't a different life out there for her. 

Joan Morris, Breda's sister, is played by Karen Maguire. She has an idea which might promise a brighter future for both herself and her sister. 

John Joe Whelan, a regular customer, is played by Jack Montgomery– A greatly loved and respected senior member of the community, known for the twinkle in his eye and the wee dog who is his trusty companion. He is kind, even when life disappoints. Will he have someone to share his time with? 

Brian Cullen, played by Mark Matthews, is the Local Councillor and business man. Brian reckons he has it all figured out. But, in order for his plans to come to fruition, he needs to believe that he is surrounded by quaint, unassuming and naïve individuals.

Séamus Moore (Sham), played by Ciarán Cassidy, is a little fish with his eyes firmly set on a much bigger pond. He has lots of fabulous ideas, if only he can get the backing! But is his greatest creative achievement rooted in a wee bit of self- delusion? 

His long suffering mother Peggy Moore, played by Maeve Montgomery, cleans and keeps house for Breda. Never one to let the advancing years dull her positivity and optimism, Peggy loves life and sees no reason to waste time. But, Peggy is a realist and knows a teller of tall tales when she hears one. Who's trying to pull the wool over Peggy's eyes? 

Another regular customer is Tina Conway, played by Stephanie Rocks McCann. Manager of the local Community Centre, Tina is a woman of expensive tastes and grand ambition. A tad entitled in herself, she feels constrained by small village life and wants better. But  how is that to be achieved? 

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Tina’s husband Timothy Conway (Tim), played by Gerry Brennan, is  a quiet accountant just living his life. If he has much to say, we may seldom get to hear it over the sound of Tina's opinions. Tim is respectful of people and kind. But is he the sort of naïve and gullible type that certain people need to achieve their ends? 

Directed by Joan Wilson. With Amy Galligan and Eimear Boyle front of house and Mary Reilly, Patricia Reynolds and Fiona Ó Murchu backstage, SPACERS invite you to this gentle but believable comedy that shows us the best and worst of human behaviour.. 

Join them at 8pm in the Friary Hall on April 23rd, 24th and 25th April as we cheer on the goodies and hope the baddies get their just deserts.

Tickets €15 from group members or Amy at  086 2268606.