Drama Group in Offaly come back with successful production of 'Don't Dress For Dinner'

AFTER a long lapse due to the Covid pandemic, Banagher Drama Group returned to the stage last week and they came back with a bang, with a hugely successful production of 'Don't Dress For Dinner'.

This was a very funny play and the laughter ringing around the auditorium in Banagher Centre for Further Education, was a clear indication of how the audience were enjoying an excellent production.

Banagher Drama Group's last play was the 2019 production of 'The Playboy of the Western World' so it was a long overdue return to the stage for a cast who have been entertaining audiences in Banagher and beyond for many years.

And it was certainly worth waiting for. 'Don't Dress For Dinner' was written by Marc Camoletti and Robin Hawdon, and is a mad cap farce with lots of comings and goings, mix-ups and confusion, and characters constantly spinning tales to try and cover their tracks. Naturally that led to some hilarious scenarios as thing go from bad to worse for the characters as everyone tries to keep up with the latest tale beng told.

The play is set in a charming converted farmhouse and on that note it must be said the set was excellent. The old wooden doors and the bare stonework effect worked very well and certainly gave the feel of an old country farmhouse.

Bernard is planning a romantic weekend at the farmhouse. His wife is due to go to visit her mother for the weekend, so his mistress is coming to stay with him. His friend Robert is coming along as an alibi for Bernard, who has also arranged for a Cordon Bleu cook to come and prepare the meal for the evening. Everything seems set for a lovely weekend before things soon start to unravel and the mayhem ensues. When you have a Suzanne and a Suzette, both known as Suzi, you get the picture of how things can get very confused. Bernard and Robert have to constantly think on their feet as they improvise to cover the shenanigans and it all boils down to a very funny night of entertainment.

Brendan Hanamy returned as director for Banagher Drama Group after a number of years, having previously directed five plays for the group. His experienced hand was very much in evidence in this production, which required pace, timing and quick delivery. And the cast certainly ticked all boxes on that front. They were very well prepared, the characters were all well defined and they combined together with wonderful effect. That takes a lot of hard work, particularly in such a fast paced play, and Brendan achieved that with an excellent cast.

Jared Madden played the role of Bernard, the husband planning the romantic weekend with his mistress. An experienced and sure hand, Jared mastered the role with great effect. He has terrific stage presence and his acting ability helps carry the role.

His sidekick Robert was wonderfully played by Brendan Dolan. Frequently landed into awkward situations by Bernard's efforts to cover his tracks, Brendan captured the character's exasperation at the circumstances he found himself in with great facial expressions, actions and great timing.

Jared and Brendan were a great double act, as they been in other plays over the years. They bounced impressively off each other, their interactions were slick and on point and they worked very well together.

Bernard's wife Jacqueline was played by Lorraine Hogan. Jacqueline was planning to go to her mother's for the weekend but her plans changed when she heard of some of the visitors coming for the weekend. She is dragged into the mire of confusion and Lorraine captured that effectively, showing the different emotions the character went through and playing the role very well.

Bernard's mistress Suzanne was played by Fiona Lynch. Suzanne thought she was coming for a romantic weekend but shortly after her arrival ended up in the kitchen cooking dinner for everyone! It wasn't what she expected but Fiona plays the character well as she adapted to the circumstances. She was comfortable and confident in the role and came across strongly.

Aisling Lucas played the role of the cook Suzette and did a wonderful job. She really got the most out of the character, who was very adept and picking up extra tips for extra services! Aisling was very assured in the part and gave a commanding performance, making the very most of the comedy element of the character. The scene where Bernard and Robert adapted her cook's uniform to a dress for dinner was very well done.

Suzette's husband George arrived at the latter end of the evening. He was a somewhat fearsome character and Sean Dolan captured those characteristics very well. He had a strong presence on stage and played the role perfectly.

It has been a long time since the Banagher Drama Group had graced a stage but it is good to have them back. They have produced some excellent plays over the years and this will go down among the best of them. There was a strong cast throughout and they all got the very best out of their roles in a hugely enjoyable performance.

The complimentary cups of tea and coffee at the interval were also a very nice touch.

Cast

Bernard – Jared Madden; Jacqueline – Lorraine Hogan; Suzanne – Fiona Lynch; Robert – Brendan Dolan; Suzette – Aisling Lucas; George – Sean Dolan.

Production

Director – Brendan Hanamy; Stage Manager – Clare Lynch; Set design & construction – Padraig Donohoe, Ken Lucas, Patrick Regan, Ronnie Byrne, Paul Buchanan, Antoinette Kelly, Shona Foy, Pat Horan, Pre-Apprenticeship team LOETB; Set decoration – Patrick Regan, Leslie Flanagan, Tara Mulvihill & LOETB art class; Make-up – Angela Reynolds, Aileen Dolan and Elaine Flannery; Lighting, sound and continuity – Ruth Lynch, Mairead Devery.