Duleek Players mark 40th anniversary in dramatic style

Celebrating their 40th anniversary in dramatic style the Duleek Drama Players present their new production Secondary Cause of Death in the Droichead Arts Centre, April 16 to 20.

Set on the eve of World War Two, the comedy murder mystery by Peter Gordon takes the audience on an entertaining romp with more twists than a corkscrew.

“We are proud to say we’ve been bringing top quality amateur drama to local stages for 40 years now and we are particularly excited by this year’s show.” said group chairman Con McGinley.

The ‘whodunit’ with a difference opens on the eve of war in an English country house. Guests gather for what they expect to be an entertaining ‘murder mystery weekend’ only to discover a real murderer in their midst.

Conspiracy abounds with German spies and British double agents masquerading as fellow guests. Into this complex web of intrigue, the hapless and hopeless Detective Inspector Pratt arrives, only to see the bodies pile higher.

“Murder is no joke – except when it comes to Secondary Causes of Death,” said director Carmel Matthews. “It’s a thrilling comedy that expertly combines laughter with goosebumps and unexpected twists.”

The show has a cast of nine with Duleek’s own David Andrews playing the dimwit detective. In a nod to Agatha Christie, Dympna McNally plays amateur sleuth ‘Miss Maple, with Duleek stalwart Con McGinley in the role of a Polish aristocrat and Guy Lynch appearing as a retired army colonel.

“Guy, who plays the colonel, has a particularly interesting not to say challenging role. It involves a little surprise that we are looking forward to springing on our audiences,” said Carmel.

Along with providing great entertainment over the past 40 years, the Duleek Players theatrical efforts have also helped to raise many thousands of Euro for a variety of local and national charities.

The group charity partners for this year’s production include the Duleek Cardiac First Response Group on Tuesday, April 16th. Drogheda Cares for the Homeless will benefit from the performance on Wednesday, April 17 th. While the Mellon Educate Africa charity is set to benefit from the performance on Thursday, April 18th.

Secondary Cause of Death is on stage in the Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda at 8pm from Tuesday, April 16th to Saturday, April 20th. Tickets are €15.