Anticipation builds ahead of drama fest
THE South Wicklow Drama Festival committee gathered at Jim Byrne’s Lounge recently to launch the 17 th edition of the festival, which will take place in St Brigid’s Hall, Carnew, from March 15 to 23.
The committee has a wonderful and varied line-up of plays, with many local groups taking part, along with drama groups from counties Laois and Dublin.
The eight-day festival ,adjudicated by Imelda McDonagh, will feature nightly plays at 8 p.m., except for Saturday, March 23, which kicks off at 7.30 p.m.
On Friday, March 15, the Clodiagh Players will perform ‘Trad’ by Mark Doherty, with the Kilmuckridge Drama Group performing ‘I do not like thee Dr Fell’ by Bernard Farrell on Saturday.
There will be no play on Sunday, March 17, while on Monday, Tom Murphy’s ‘The Wake’ will be performed by Bridge Drama, with Camross Drama Group performing ‘The Gin Game’ by DL Coburn on Tuesday.
The Bunclody/Kilmyshall Drama Group will take to the stage on Wednesday with ‘The Lonesome West’ by Martin McDonagh, while the Ballycogley Players will perform ‘Out of Order’ by Ray Cooney on Thursday.
Rounding off the festival, ‘Hooked’ by Gillian Grattan will be performed by the Kilrush Drama Group on Friday night, with the Balally Players closing the show on Saturday, March 23, with ‘Alone it Stands’ by John Breen.
“The standard of amateur drama throughout the country is very high, and it is once again a privilege to bring quality performances to the stage in Carnew,” a spokesperson said.
“We would like to thank our main sponsor, Altura Credit
Union Ltd., Carnew and all of our sponsors, patrons and advertisers without whom we could not host a festival.”
In association with the festival, Carnew Community Art Group will hold an art exhibition in Roberts’ Garage Adjacent to St. Brigid’s Hall, opening on Thursday, March 14, and running daily for the duration of the Festival.
Patron Tickets (€45) for all eight plays at the festival are available from the committee or shops in Carnew, including Mark Kennedy in Hall’s Shop, Carnew Training & Consultancy Centre and Candy’s.