Night filled with laughter as drama group scores success with 'Don't Tell The Wife'

THERE was laughter aplenty in Rathcabbin Hall last week as Rathcabbin Players staged the hilarious Sam Cree comedy 'Don't Tell The Wife' for four nights.

The hall was packed each night and the audiences lapped up the comedy as an excellent production hit the right spot and sent everyone home with a smile on their face.

The Players will put the play on again for one more night next weekend, Saturday February 10^th at 8pm.

This is the first time that Rathcabbin have staged a Sam Cree play and they might return to the Northern Irish playwright again in the future if the success of this offering is anything to go by. 'Don't Tell The Wife' must rank among the funniest plays on the circuit and it was series of great laughs from start to finish.

Of course, good comedy is only seen at its best when performed well, and Rathcabbin certainly didn't let anyone down on that front. The standard of acting throughout was excellent and the cast members were very well prepared and delivered on the night.

Pat Kennedy, who starred alongside a number of the cast in many Rathcabbin productions over the years, took the role of director this year and he can certainly take a bow. It was a terrific debut production and he maximised the talents of his cast. The pace was maintained well throughout and he got the maximum out of the many comic scenes to provide a wonderful night's entertainment.

The play is set in Belfast in the 1960s and all the action takes place in the living room of the Willis family home. Plumber Bobbie Willis and his wife Edna have been happily married for 25 years. Bobbie is approaching 50 and thanks to suspicions planted in her mind by gossipy neighbour Isobel, Edna becomes convinced that Bobbie is seeing other women. Her suspicions aren't eased by a string of misunderstandings involving a plumber's apprentice, a young French lodger, a male escort while a greyhound called Bridget also adds further to the confusion. That all added to the hilarity and the antics of everyone on stage produced a night filled with laughter as each scene unfolded.

The cast began rehearsals for this production last October and it was clear to see that an awful lot of hard work had done into the production. To get the timing and delivery of lines right takes a lot of work and they had that mastered. There was good interaction between the characters and they blended well together and Pat Kennedy has to take credit for that with the result that the audience benefited with a truly great finished product.

Hubert Hogan played the role of plumber Bobbie Willis and did an excellent job. He nailed the character perfectly and his expressions, excellent delivery and timing of his lines were all spot on in what was a terrific all round performance.

The part of his wife Edna was played by Marguerite Walsh. It was a demanding role as Edna was on stage a lot and had a lot of dialogue but Marguerite was very comfortable in the role. She captured the changing emotions of the character as she dealt with various scenarios developing around her and she looked very much at home on stage.

Fiona Maher O'Brien played the role of Edna's neighbour Isobel Tate. Isobel thrives on a bit of gossip and can't wait to pass any gossip on. Fiona gave a very confident and assured portrayal of the character and came across very well but there was a little sting in the tail for Isobel!

Bobbie's young apprentice plumber Cyril Lindsay was played by Reuben Noyce. Cyril is a little bit naive but has two girls chasing after him and he asks Bobbie's advice. Reuben captured the essence of the character very well and he had good presence on stage in what was a strong performance.

The role of the young French lodger Georgette was delightfully played by Maria Maher. Maria really got into the spirit of the role, her French accent was very well maintained throughout and she had a commanding presence on stage. She portrayed the character perfectly in a wonderful performance.

Michael Hoctor filled the role of Corporation Official Eric Tweedy, who always seemed to arrive at the Willis house at the wrong time and end up being confused for someone else. Michael depicted the character very well with good expressions and acting and he came across well.

Michael Bowler played the part of Basil Charrington, who Edna hired for an evening from an Escort Agency. Michael played the part with great gusto and he came across very positively and he seemed very comfortable on stage.

Hilda Smiley, who was going on a date with Cyril, was played by Catty Burke. It was a lovely performance of the character, who was very shy and a bit nervous. The costume and make up helped add to the depiction of the character and Catty did a great job in her portrayal of Hilda.

The set was very well designed and gave the impression of a 1960s house, with good exits for the hall to the front door and the stairs leading to the bedrooms.

Edna was cooking liver and onions for Bobbie in the first scene and the aroma wafting from the stage was very authentic and almost left you feeling hungry!!

Summing up, it was a great night with lots of laughter throughout and an excellent cast doing a great job.

Cast

Isobel Tate – Fiona Maher O'Brien; Edna Willis – Marguerite Walsh; Bobbie Willis – Hubert Hogan; Cyril Lindsay – Reuben Noyce; Georgette – Maria Maher; Eric Tweedy – Michael Hoctor; Basil Charrington – Michael Bowler; Hilda Smiley – Catty Burke.

Production Team

Director & Set Design – Patrick Kennedy; Set Construction – Tadhg Nevin, Barry Noyce, Peter Seman, Mary Dermody, Ray Kennedy, The Burke family; Stage Managers – Caoimhe Kennedy, Peter Seman; Sound Equipment – Ray Kennedy; Lights/Sound – Andrew Dagg; Continuity – Fiona Kennedy; Make-up – Darina Kelly.