Laughter and mayhem made for the 'Perfect Wedding' in Banagher

IT was a night of fun and laughter when Banagher Drama Group staged the wonderful Robin Hawdon comedy 'Perfect Wedding' in Banagher FET Centre last week.

It was a very funny play, packed with hilarious scenes from start to finish and lots of twists and turns along the way. It was a fitting way to mark 40 years since the formation of Banagher Drama Group and they certainly marked that birthday with a bang.

It was excellently performed by a fine cast, most of whom were making their debut with Banagher Drama Group, and they were more than deserving of the wonderful standing ovation they got at the end of the production.

Originally scheduled to run for three nights, they were all sold out even before opening night, so a fourth night was added at that stage for Sunday night, and well worth it it was. It shows that with all the mayhem that's going on with the world, people want to see live entertainment and have their spirits lifted by something as funny as this.

The play is set in the bridal suite and adjoining reception room in a country hotel. It's the morning of Bill and Rachel's wedding and Bill wakes up in the bed in the bridal suite, but with another woman. He has little memory of what went on the night before as he was so drunk and doesn't know who the woman is. He tries to cover his tracks and draws in his Best Man Tom to help him do so, even though Tom has little say in this. Their tall tales get them deeper and deeper into trouble and as usual, there were countless mix ups, plenty of mistaken identities and general all round confusion. That confusion continued right up to the final scenes when there was a final twist in the tale that very few would have spotted at all.

It all made for a great night of entertainment and considering that four of the six actors were making their debut with the Group, it is a huge credit to all concerned that they performed to such a high level. In a play like this, there is a lot of quick banter and timing and delivery are very important, and that was achieved throughout. The frantic pace of unfolding events was maintained excellently and there was no let up at all.

Much of the credit for this will go to the director Jared Madden, whose experience in the role was put to good use. He has also acted in a number of these fast paced comedies himself, so knows exactly what's needed and he did a great job with a new cast. He did note that three member of the cast were former pupils of his and it is great to see that young talent being brought through and Banagher Drama Group benefits. The cast combined very well together and did a great job overall.

The set was excellent. It was a split stage with the reception room and bridal suite occupying a different side of the stage linked by a door. When the action was taking place in one room, it was notable that the people in the other room, although not involved in the direct action at that time, remained in character and went about their business as normal.

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The part of the groom Bill was played by Barry Moylan, who made a very confident debut with the group. He captured the exasperation of the character as they lurched from one problem to the next and was constantly trying to cover his tracks. His acting was excellently and he played the character with great energy and conviction.

Judy, the girl he ended up in bed with on the morning of his wedding, was played wonderfully by Jane White. She played the role with great verve and assurance and was very natural in the role. She had good presence on stage and exuded confidence.

The Best Man Tom was played by David Broderick, who did a terrific job. Constantly trying to cover his tracks because of Bill's 'explanations' and antics, Tom grows more and more angry as the play goes on and David depicted that perfectly. He was strong and forceful in the role and captured the true essence of the character.

Michaela Keenaghan played the role of the bride Rachel. Oblivious to much of the shenanigans going on around her, Rachel is only concerned with having her perfect wedding day. Michaela captured those feelings expertly as she tried to prepare for her big day while all manner of mayhem was going on around her. She gave a very believeable portrayal of the character and did very well.

Lyn Lyons was making her debut with Banagher Drama Group but what a debut. She played the role of the chambermaid Julie and was terrific in the role. Her delivery, timing, facial expressions and all round acting were spot on from the very start and she drew lots of laughter for a very impressive performance. She really got into the spirit of the role and did a great job.

Mairead Devery played the part of Rachel's mother, Daphne. Again this was another delightful performance with a wonderful portrayal of the character. From the flamboyant mother-of-the-bride outfit, to the little mannerisms and the way she moved around the stage, Mairead gave a beautiful depiction of the character. She displayed a confidence on stage and did a lovely job.

Overall the cast did a great job and the sound of laughter resounding around the auditorium told its own story. Robin Hawdon's play was very funny and the cast certainly did it justice and it will go down as a successful 40^th anniversary production from Banagher Drama Group.

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Cast

Bill – Barry Moylan; Girl – Jane White; Tom – David Broderick; Rachel – Michaela Keenaghan; Julie – Lyn Lyons; Daphne – Mairead Devery.

Production

Director – Jared Madden; Stage Manager – Aisling Bacon; Set design & construction – Padraig Donohoe, Ken Lucas, Ronnie Byrne; Set Decoration – Patrick Regan, Aisling Bacon, Stephanie Connell, Ruth Lynch, Paula Kelly, Clare Lynch, Monica Hannigan, Sean Corrigan, Angela Reynolds; Lighting, Sound and Continuity – Ruth Lynch, Alan Moylan; Front of House – Ann Gallagher, Cora Stronge Smith, Sean Corrigan, Maura Flannery, Fiona Lynch, Stephanie Connell, Antoinette Kelly, Pamela Nolan, Aisling Lucas; MC – Brendan Dolan; Make up – Angela Reynolds; Photography & Social Media – Dave Boylan; Signage & Programme – Liam Moran, Dave Boylan, Ruth Lynch.

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