Castle Players stage ‘Happy Birthday Dear Alice’ again

THE Castle Players return to An Tain Arts Centre with the comedy ‘Happy Birthday Dear Alice’ by Bernard Farrell, for three nights, opening tomorrow ( Wednesday)

The is an apt choice for the month of May, when the Bealtaine Festival celebrates creativity among older people.

Pat McKenna has been involved in amateur drama in Dundalk for over 50 years and brings vast experience to his role as director. As he regularly visits a local nursing home to chat and read to the residents, he has a real insight into this play which tells of the attempts of a dysfunctional suburban family to pressurise Alice, their ageing but active mother, to go into a nursing home.

The production features a strong and talented cast who have the skills to bring the characters of the play to life.

The Castle Players staged this play previously twenty years ago, and Nigel Clinton, who made his first appearance with the group in that production, plays the role of Jimmy. Playing opposite him in the title role of Alice, is Yvonne Lawrence, who is joining the group for the first time.

Moya Hodgers, who previously appeared with the Castle Players in Dancing at Lughnasa, plays the part of Alice’s daughter Barbara, whose on stage husband Cormac is played by Dromin native, Brian Halpin. This will be Brian’s debut with the Castle Player, but he is no stranger to An Tain as he has played several parts with Dundalk Musical Society.

The roles of Barry, Alice’s son, and Sandy, his girlfriend, are played by James Brennan and Elle Mae Tremewan. James is no stranger to the stage as he has been performing for local audiences for several years. Elle Mae is a member of Dundalk Youth Theatre, which she enjoys very much. She played a leading part in the Youth Theatre’s last play, The Gossip Gang. This will be her first venture into adult theatre, and she is really looking forward to it.

The Stage manager is Debbie McKenna, assisted by Odelle Coogan and Mary Tansey. Sound and lighting, Nessa Toal and David McKenna. Costumes, Mary Gilsenan. Set construction Gerry Callan, David McKenna and Tom Sharkey. Graphic design, David Kiely.

Happy Birthday Dear Alice runs in An Táin Theatre on May 10th, 11th and 12th 2017 starting at 8.00pm sharp. Tickets €15 / €12. On Wednesday, all seats are €10.00.Tickets are sure to go quickly and can be purchased online at www.antain.ie or by calling the box office on 0429332332.