Curtain comes down on 40th West Waterford festival
The curtain came down on the 40th West Waterford Drama Festival in St Michael’s Hall, Ballyduff on Saturday, March 12 after a very successful week.
With Covid still very much around, 9 nights of wonderful drama came to an end without any setbacks. After an absence of 2 years it was great to see people back meeting each other once again and enjoying great theatre.
RESULTS CONFINED SECTION
‘The Playboy of the Western World’ by Kilmuckridge Drama Group; ‘Brighton’ by Skibbereen Theatre Society; ‘The Quiet Moment’ by Kilworth Drama.
OPEN SECTION
‘Rabbit Hole’ by Ballyduff Drama Group; ‘Chapatti’ by Palace Players; ‘Class’ by Kilrush Drama Group.
Barry’s Tea Golden Moment of Theatre: Kilmuckridge Drama Group for ‘The Rope Scene’ in ‘The Playboy of the Western World’.
Adjudicators awards: Sound: Ballyduff Drama Group for the video tape of young Danny in ‘Rabbit Hole’; Stage management: Michael O’Mahony, Teresa O’Mahony and Kathleen O’Sullivan in ‘Conversations on a Homecoming’ by Kilmeen Drama Group.
Seamus Ahern Memorial Award for ‘Most promising young performer’: Ronan Bennett as ‘Jason’ in ‘Rabbit Hole’ by Ballyduff Drama Group.
Jerry Hickey Memorial Award for ‘Most Entertaining Play’ (audience vote): ‘The Quiet Moment’ by Kilworth Drama.
Best Lighting: Billy Casey and Cillian Cotter for ‘Rabbit Hole’ by Ballyduff Drama Group.
Best Presentation: Production team for ‘Chapatti’ by Palace Players, Kilworth.
Best Set: Donie O’Sullivan for ‘Rabbit Hole’ by Ballyduff Drama Group.
Best Supporting Actress in Confined Section: Annette McCarthy as ‘ Widow Quin’ in ‘ The Playboy of the Western World’ by Kilmuckridge Drama Group.
Best Supporting Actor in Confined Section: Richard Devereux as ‘Old Mahon’ in ‘The Playboy of the Western World’ by Kilmuckridge Drama Group.
Best Actress in Confined Section: Carmel O’Driscoll as ‘ Lily’ in ‘ Brighton’ by Skibbereen Theatre Society.
Best Actor in Confined Section: Moss Carroll as ‘Dad’ in ‘The Quiet Moment’ by Kilworth Drama.
Best Supporting Actress in Open Section: Sheila Wall as ‘Missus’ in ‘Conversations on a Homecoming’ by Kilmeen Drama Group.
Best Supporting Actor in Open Section: Michael Dunbar as ‘ Brian Costello’ in ‘Class’ by Kilrush Drama Group.
Best Actress in Open Section: Mary Colbert as ‘Betty’ in ‘Chapatti’ by Palace Players.
Best Actor in Open Section: John Stack as ‘Howie’ in ‘Rabbit Hole’ by Ballyduff Drama Group.
Best Producer in Confined Section: Anthony O’Connor director of ‘The Playboy of the Western World’ by Kilmuckridge Drama Group.
Best Producer in Open Section: Ger Canning director of ‘Rabbit Hole’ by Ballyduff Drama Group.
GOOD RUN ON CIRCUIT
Our own group has also been very successful on the festival circuit so far. ‘Rabbit Hole’ under the direction of Ger Canning and with cast members Sile Heneghan, Grainne Kenny, Ellen Quirke, John Stack and Ronan Bennett have been sweeping the boards. They have participated in 4 festivals so far – Rush, Roscommon, Mountmellick and Ballyduff and have won all four with many individual awards for the director, cast and crew members. This means that Ballyduff’s production of ‘Rabbit Hole’ is already through to the All-Ireland Finals in Athlone in early May.
However, they have still 4 more festivals to attend. This Thursday night they are in Rossmore; Saturday in Claremorris; Monday in New Ross and Saturday 26th in Carrickmore, Co Tyrone. So, a very busy time for the cast and crew. Well done to the director Ger Canning, cast and crew and all who have helped with the production so far.