‘Maiden Aunt’ set to lighten these dark days with grave humour

HARBOUR PLAYERS CELEBRATE 20 YEARS ON THE BOARDS WITH NEW PRODUCTION

THE Ballyclough based Harbour Players are again emerging to the fore as they stage their 20th annual production in Ballyclough Community Centre.

From Friday, November 20, the highly acclaimed “The Maiden Aunt” is sure to attract sell out audiences to the North Cork village.

The current presentation, a Jimmy Keary composition, is sure to win favour and is seen as a definite crowd puller.

Well known drama activist Martin Lucey from Mallow is producer and is thrilled with the response from all associated with the presentation.

“This is my second year of involvement with the Harbour Players and the enthusiasm from the cast is terrific. Indeed, the commitment is fantastic and those involved are an example to other communities both and off the stage”, said Martin.

The hilarious play relates to Gertie O’Grady (played by Deidre Fitzgerald), a retired teacher and spinster, who comes to stay with her niece, Mary Murphy (Mary O’Sullivan), after a spell in hospital. Mary tries to persuade her aunt to make a will.

When Gertie apparently ‘dies’, Mary’s husband, Dan (Con Hennessey) comes up with an elaborate plan to get their hands on her money.

A comedy is just the tonic to wipe away the winter blues and pre-election talk with familiar faces on board that also include Danny O’Brien, Kieran Finnegan, Kevin Deady, Marianne Cronin and Theresa Collins.

Supporting the cast is a dedicated back stage crew that have worked on the production for many months much to the delight of spokesperson Matt Lawlee.

“It’s great to see a mix of old and new faces in the cast, that’s the lifeblood for any drama group such as the Harbour Players to succeed. Drama in the greater catchment area is very popular and Ballyclough has maintained an interest over the past two decades,” said Matt.

“The Harbour Players Drama presentation has reached its 20th year and proceeds from the latest run supports the Community Centre”.

Patrons can catch up with the latest showpiece “The Maiden Aunt” from Friday, Saturday, Sunday (November 20-22) in addition to shows on November 27/28 at Ballyclough Community Centre with curtains up nightly at 8pm.

Prebooking is advisable, tickets can be obtained from Albany Homes Decor, Mallow or Fitzgerald’s Shop, Ballyclough.

Picture John Tarrant The cast members of “The Maiden Aunt” performed by the Harbour Players, Ballyclough cast of Deidre Fitzgerald, Mary O’Sullivan, Con Hennessey, Danny O’Brien, Kieran Finnegan, Kevin Deady, Marianne Cronin and Theresa Collins. The production opens in...

Right: Danny O’Brien and Kieran Finnegan step it out during “The Maiden Aunt” performed by the Harbour Players, Ballyclough.

Picture John Tarrant Mary O’Sullivan, Deidre Fitzgerald, Kieran Deady and Con Hennessey perform in “The Maiden Aunt” by the Harbour Players, Ballyclough.