TUBBER SET FOR DRAMA
EXCITEMENT is building with only weeks to go until the All Ireland ( Confined) Drama Finals which will be hosted by the Western Drama Festival ( WDF).
This is the third time that Tubbercurry has hosted the event and the town will be dramatically transformed with a theatrical ambience over 9 nights from the 21 to 29 April in St Brigid’s Hall.
The draw on Saturday ( 8th April) saw each qualifying group find out which night they will perform their play. President of the Amateur Drama Council Ireland ( ADCI) and Secretary of Western Drama Festival Brendan Mc Gowan said it is a very special occasion for Tubbercurry to host such an event.
“ADCI are the governing bodies of all these festivals and it shows massive confidence in the council for Tubbercurry that they can host. It means lots of visitors to the town for the nine nights and will bring businesses to it at a time when tourism might not be as vibrant. It is great the whole community is involved. I have travelled the length and breadth of the county and I know a lot of these people personally so I am looking forward to welcoming them to Tubbercurry.”
Chairman of the ADCI, John Travers said the strength of amateur drama groups such as the WDF is key to running a festival: “If I say Tubbercurry it means one thing: Drama, Hospitality and fun and you will be well looked after here.”
While all eyes will be on the groups performing their play in the All Ireland competition, there will be various entertainment events happening alongside the festival.
From Ballina Drama Group, to art exhibitions by local artists, a Rugged Mystery Tour will showcase all Tubberucrry has to offer and a thought provoking show by Walker Ewart there will be something for everyone.
Louise Kilbane, President of Tubbercurry Chamber of Commerce believes the festival is a great opportunity to showcase what Tubbercurry and South Sligo has to offer.
“Accommodation and local restaurants are booked out well in advance and the businesses are certainly thriving. For the chamber we are delighted to support it and the local community. Groups are coming from all over the country Cork, Cavan, Clare and Kerry so it it’s an opportunity to showcase South Sligo and encourage them to come back.”
Paddy Farrelly from Sullivan Players in Cavan is delighted to be performing in Tubbercurry: the ‘ Home of Drama’ and is looking forward to the festival: win, lose or draw.
Coman Keaveny, Director of the Glenamaddy Players Galway believes Tubbercurry is a world class facility to host the event: “The week of any All- Ireland the sense of excitement and nerves is something you can’t explain. A lot of the groups are personal friends of mine and the sense of achievement for us to be back again is excellent, we are really delighted to be here.”
Season Tickets are € 100/ individual night’s € 15 incl booking fees. An 8 night Season Ticket ( opening night Fri. 21st excluded) for € 85.
Phone the Hawks well Theatre for more info at 071 9161518 or see www.westerndramafestival.com.
The Take 5 Drama Group kick things off on Friday April 21st, with Holycross/ Ballycahill DG performing on April 22nd. Sunday April 23rd sees Lislea Dramatic Players take to the stage, with the Doonbeg Drama Group then on Monday April 24th. Tuesday April 25th is the turn of the Schull Drama Group and the Sillan Players perform on Wednesday April 26th.
The Dunmore Amateur Dramatic Society take to the stage on Thursday April 27th, the Newtownstewart Theatre Company on Friday April 28th and the Glenamaddy Players finish the event on Saturday April 29th.