Five actresses bring 1960s comedy to Corn Mill
Fast-paced new production features 20 characters, music and laughs
A lively new Irish comedy celebrating the golden age of the showband era is set to hit the stage in Carrigallen next month as The Mariettas arrives at the Corn Mill Theatre on May 3rd.
Presented by Cavan-based Pothole Productions, the full-length comedy follows five women frofferent backgrounds who come together through an audition process to form a showband in 1969.
But while the music promises nostalgia and laughs, the production also carries emotional depth.
Actress Vanessa Galligan described the show as “a laugh a minute” but said audiences can also expect heart and surprises along the way.
“It’s five women from different walks of life coming together, and through that you see their backgrounds, the rehearsal process, and the journey they go on,” she said.
“There’s comedy, singing, dancing and plenty of fun, but there is a sad side to it too.”
Set in 1969, the play is packed with familiar hits including Suspicious Minds and Hooked on a Feeling, with Galligan describing it as “more of a play with music than a musical.”
She compared its style to The Joe Show: The Night Joe Dolan’s Car Broke Down, where music becomes part of the storytelling rather than the main focus.
What makes The Mariettas especially unique is its ambitious staging.
The five cast members each play four characters, switching roles live in front of the audience using changes in props, voice, accent and movement.
“All the actors are backstage on stage,” Galligan explained.
“We transition from one character to another right in front of the audience’s eyes. It’s a huge challenge — probably the biggest challenge I’ve had as an actress.”
The production has been developed through a collaborative workshop process rather than under a traditional director, with each cast member taking on extra responsibilities including costumes, scheduling and publicity.
Galligan said the company wanted to try something different and allow the show to find its own identity.
“We wanted five visions instead of one. It has been experimental, but it has worked.”
She also believes the story will resonate strongly with Irish audiences.
“There are so many references to Ireland in the 1960s — the music, the humour, the culture of the time. It’s lovely for people to reminisce, but it’s also funny enough for younger audiences too.”
The Mariettas comes to the Corn Mill Theatre, Carrigallen, on Sunday, May 3, as part of a wider tour.
Other dates include Drumavaddy Hall on May 2, Bog Lane Theatre on May 8, Gallonray House on May 9 and Ramor Arts Centre on September 11.
Galligan said she hopes local audiences will support live theatre.
“If people come out, I think they’ll laugh, they might cry, they’ll sing along — and they’ll leave better for it. It’s bold, it’s experimental, and it’s full of heart, humour and nostalgia.” Show begins at 8pm sharp, tickets €18