CRK Drama Group all set for another hilarious production

CARRIG Riverstown and Killeen Drama Group has been busy preparing for this year’s production of Ray Cooney’s ‘Out of Order’ which will take place in Carrig and Riverstown Community Hall this Friday December 1st, Saturday December 2nd and Sunday December 3rd.

Rehearsals began in early September and this weekend’s play is the culmination of many hours of practice, hard work and dedication from all involved. CRK Drama are delighted to once again have Brendan Hanamy as this year’s Director. Brendan, with his vast experience both on and off the stage, has once again excellently guided this talented group to perform what will hopefully be another very successful production.

'Out of Order' is set in a suite in a posh London Hotel near Westminster. Richard Willey (played by Rós Connaughton) is a Junior Minister in the British Government who is planning to spend the evening with Jane Worthington (played by Monica Dynan), one of the opposition party’s typists. Things go disastrously wrong, resulting in Mr Willey having to lie his way out of an embarrassing situation with the help of an innocent side-kick George Pigden (played by Michael Hayes) who is the Minister's personal private secretary. As the plot unfolds more characters are introduced and things go disastrously wrong as Mr Pigden gets more and more embroiled in Mr Willey's tall tales, and wonders where it’s all going to end….

The play was written by Ray Cooney, OBE, who is an acclaimed English playwright, actor and director. His biggest success, 'Run For Your Wife', ran for nine years in London's West End also where he had 17 of his plays performed including ‘Out of Order’. CRK Drama group have performed a number of Ray Cooney’s plays over the years, which are renowned for their hilarious comedy and fast pace.

This year’s cast sees a mix of old and new faces, with household names such as Rós Connaughton, Michael Hayes, Declan Murray, Leonard Deane, Padraig Freeman, Ruth Scully, Lisa Deane, and Joe Hynes all returning to the stage. The group are delighted to have such a talented pool to pick from and 2023 also sees the return of Monica Dynan and a debut performance for new member Chloe Kelly. Others taking a break from the stage this year, but helping out behind the scenes include, Leanne Kelly (props), Maria Harding (lighting & sound), Edel Pey (continuity) and Sarah King (make-up).

This year’s play is produced by Barry Deane, with long-time CRK producer, Tony Dargan, taking a deserved break. However, Tony still remains very much involved, ably helping with his painting skills! Martina Rabbette graduated to Stage Manager this year and has been the driving force behind the production team, establishing a beautiful set. The work of the set construction team has once again been exceptional, with Andrew Carney leading the way, assisted by Ray Hoare, Mick Collins, Eddie Doorley, Tadhg Sullivan and Dermot Sullivan.

Tickets for this year's play have been in high demand, with Friday performance already completely sold out! Some tickets remain for Saturday and Sunday's performances, so if you don’t want to miss out, book your tickets now by phoning (089) 4042517.

CRK Drama Group would like to also acknowledge the help and support from various community groups and local businesses. Each year the group normally gives local community groups the opportunity to organise the raffle each night as a small fundraiser. This year we are delighted to announce that Friday’s raffle is being organised by Carrig & Riverstown Active Retirement Group, who celebrate their 20th year this year. Saturday's raffle will be organised by Carrig, Riverstown & Killeen Historical Society, who recently published ‘Smaointe’, a fantastic pictorial history of the area, and the proceeds of Sunday night's raffle will go towards replacing the defibrillator pads for the three AED units in the area.