Kilrush Drama to stage Barry play this weekend

Kilrush Drama Group is currently putting the finishing touches to its production of The Steward of Christendom.

The play was written in 1995 by Irish playwright Sebastian Barry. It focuses on Thomas Dunne, who is loosely based on Barry’s great-grandfather, the former chief superintendent of the Dublin Metropolitan Police, who was confined to a psychiatric facility.

The play recounts Dunne’s personal and public life throughout the 1910s and into the early 1920s. The play is being directed by Mick Byrne and the role of Thomas Dunne is being played by Michael Dunbar.

Michael is on stage throughout the play, excellently depicting Dunne’s shifting moods and bringing Barry’s lyrical monologues to life.

Michael is supported by an excellent cast in the play.

The tough warder in the hospital, Smith, is being played Joe Sinnott and the seamstress Mrs O’Dea is being played by Jane Kinsella.

His three daughters, Anne, Maud and Dolly are being played by Cora Tyrrell, Máire Doran and Olivia Mathews. Matt Kirwan (Maud’s husband) is being played by Brendan Doyle and the Garda Recruit is being played by Stephen Kehoe.

Thomas’ son Willy who is a boy soprano is being played by Niall Kehoe.

The play will open in St. Brigid’s Hall, Carnew on Friday night at 8pm and will also be staged on Sunday at 8 p.m.