Local Drama Group mark 10th anniversary with successful comedy

THERE was laughter aplenty in Carrig & Riverstown Community Hall last week when CRK Drama Group staged their annual production 'Cupid Wore Skirts'.

It was a terrific success with packed houses each night and the Drama Group have decided to add one extra performance this Friday night November 28th in aid of Carrig Tidy Towns Group, so if you missed you have one more chance to catch the play.

It was a wonderfully performed production which had the audience in peals of laughter throughout the night. The cast was perfectly prepared and the production moved smoothly and at pace throughout.

This year marked the 10th anniversary of CRK's first production in 2015 and it was a nice touch to include photographs and information about all their previous productions in their programme.

Since that opening performance of 'Too Close to Home' by Jim Keary in 2015, CRK Drama Group have built a strong reputation for the quality of their performances and this year's production maintained that standard.

Cupid Wore Skirts was written by Sam Cree and is set in the back room of Andy Coulter's house behind his antiques shop. Andy lives there with his father and son Brian. His recently married daughter is now pregnant and she is concerned about who will look after them and suggests that her father should look for a new wife. Andy's sister in law Harriet scoffs at the idea of him marrying again and Andy makes a bet with her that he could find a wife in a week! A variety of potential candidates emerge as possible wife material but, naturally, nothing runs smoothly and mix-ups and mayhem ensue. Andy looks like he will win his bet, even though he's not too happy about it, but an unexpected development changes the whole situation.

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The cast was in top form from the very start and maintained that throughout the performance. Even on opening night, they were on point and everything ran very smoothly.

Brendan Hanamy has been the CRK producer from the very start and his experienced hand was very much evident in this production. All the characters were very well developed with their own characteristics and they maintained that impressively throughout the play.

The set was authentic looking for the era the play is set and the furniture and props added to that. Good use of the doors allowed the cast to move about with comfort.

Michael Hayes played the role of Andy Coulter and did a great job. He has played similar type roles in previous years and he plays them very well. A rash decision to make a bet with Harriet leaves him flustered as he attempts to win the bet. Michael played the role with great conviction, capturing the trials and travails of the character perfectly in a great performance.

His newly married daughter Daphne was played by Chloe Kelly. Daphne looks after the house for her father, brother and grandfather and she is keen to ensure that they are well looked after now that she is pregnant and won't be able to continue to do it. Chloe played the role with quiet assurance and confidence and had a good presence on stage.

Her brother Brian was played by Caelum Larkin. Brian is into music and has a band and is looking for a new singer for the band which leads to some confusion with Andy's search for a wife. With his long hair and colourful t-shirts, Caelum looked the part and he brought the role to life in a strong performance.

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Declan Murray played the role of Grandad Coulter and did a lovely job. Grandad is a bit deaf and likes a little drink and is a bit mischievous in his ways. Declan captured those characteristics to a T and gave a delightful depiction of a loveable character.

Andy's spinster sister in law was played by Lisa Deane, who did a terrific job in the role. Harriet looks after Andy's books but she also keep an eye on everything else and often has a caustic put down for everyone else. She also has a bit of a haughty tone but as we see before the end also a softer side. Lisa played the role perfectly, her delivery and timing of lines was spot on and she got the true essence of the character.

Emma O'Rourke plays the Swedish singer Ingrid Hansen, who answers Brian's ad for a singer in his band, but is mixed up for someone who has answered Andy's ad for a potential wife, which leads to a lot of confusion. Emma was strong and confident in the role and she came across very well on stage, showing the character's empathy and emotions.

Gladys Gilmore is onto her search for husband number three and has Andy in her sights. Maria Harding played this role perfectly in a wonderful performance. Gladys talks non stop and Andy can hardly get a word in and Maria did that wonderfully. The pitch of the voice was maintained perfectly throughout her monlogues, her acting was spot on and she gave a commanding portrayal of the character.

Isobel Stanfield is a very different type of character, a very prim and proper spinster, but a fondness for homemade wine leads to unexpected outcomes. Sarahgene Loughnane gave a lovely depiction of the character, capturing those characeristics delightfully in another good performance.

Brian's friend Ronnie has only a small role in the play but one which makes a big impact and Dylan Hogan portrayed that perfectly in a terrific cameo and he certainly made the impact expected from this character.

If you didn't get the chance to see the play last weekend, you're in luck as CRK Drama Group have decided to add one extra performance this Friday night November 28th in aid of Carrig Tidy Towns Group. If you want a good night out with plnety of laughs, my recommendation is to book your seat now, you won't be disappointed. Tickets are already on sale and can be booked by calling (089) 4756379.

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Cast

Andy Coulter – Michael Hayes; Daphne Coulter – Chloe Kelly; Brian Coulter – Caelum Larkin; Grandad Coulter – Declan Murray; Harriet Courtney – Lisa Deane; Ingrid Hansen – Emma O'Rourke; Gladys Gilmore – Maria Harding; Isobel Stanfield – Sarahgene Loughnane; Ronnie – Dylan Hogan.

Production Team

Director – Brendan Hanamy; Producer – Barry Deane; Stage Manager – Damien Nowicki; Set Design – Brendan Hanamy; Stage Set: Construction – Nigel Keeshan, Barry Deane, Michael Collins, Eddie Doorley; Painting and backdrops – Liam O'Meara, Louise Bergin, Mary King, Stephen Rabbitte; Sound & Lighting – Joe Hayes, Sophie Hayes; Make up – Edel Pey, Sarah King; Continuity – Orla Sullivan; CRK Drama Committee – Claire Deane, Barry Deane, Michelle Parnell-Smyth, Sylvia Kelly, Orla Sullivan, Tony Doorley, Tony Dargan.