Drama Group in Offaly prepare to return to stage with laugh-out-loud comedy

THE Kinnitty Players are preparing to raise the curtain once again as they step into their fourth exciting year, proudly marking another milestone in the group’s remarkable revival of local drama since their formation in 2022.

What began with a simple ambition - to bring amateur theatre back to the heart of Kinnitty - has quickly grown into one of the village’s most warmly supported community endeavours.

This December, the group returns to the Kinnitty Community Centre with The Hotel Room, a laugh-out-loud comedy by Ashley Burgoyne that promises audiences an evening of mischief, misunderstandings and pure escapism. True to its title, the entire play unfolds within a single hotel room over four unpredictable nights, as four very different couples unwittingly share the same space at different times. Add in two wonderfully nosey maids and you have the perfect recipe for a night of chaos, charm and comedy.

A cast full of local talent

One of the great strengths of the Kinnitty Players has always been the depth of local involvement, and this year’s cast is no exception. Audiences can look forward to performances from:

• Lorraine Scully as Megan

• Louise McEvoy as Trish

• Kevin Byrne as George

• Lisa Dooley as Caroline

• Louise Makim as Susan

• Jason Fitzgerald as Andrew

• Ciaran Byrne as Dallas

• Hannah Dempsey as Olivia

• Therese O’Carroll as Claire

• John Spain as Peter

The group is once again guided by director Paul Spencer, affectionately referred to as the Players’ “commander-in-chief”. Paul has been instrumental in shaping the group’s productions in recent years, blending community spirit with a professional standard of performance and staging that has consistently impressed audiences.

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Building on previous successes

The Kinnitty Players have enjoyed three hugely successful years since their return, drawing packed audiences, enthusiastic reviews and a growing base of supporters from the village and surrounding areas. Each production has helped cement the group’s reputation for quality, heart and humour, and this year’s show aims to raise the bar even further.

“With The Hotel Room, we wanted something that was pure fun,” said one of the organisers. “People want a good night out, a few hours to switch off and laugh - and this script delivers that in spades. The cast have thrown themselves into it and we think audiences are really going to love it.”

At the heart of the community

The Players are keen to express their gratitude for the unwavering support they’ve received from local audiences, businesses and sponsors.

“Without the community behind us, we simply wouldn’t exist,” the committee noted. “Every ticket sold, every word of encouragement, every bit of sponsorship - it all keeps amateur drama alive in Kinnitty.”

Bringing theatre back to the village has always been about more than entertainment. It has created opportunities for people of all ages to get involved, encouraged new friendships, boosted confidence, and offered a shared sense of pride in what a small community can accomplish together.

For instance, assigning each night’s raffle to a different local group not only supports their fundraising but also ensures that many corners of the community are actively involved.

Show dates and ticket information

Performances of The Hotel Room take place on:

• Wednesday, December 3rd

• Thursday, December 4th

• Saturday, December 6^th

All shows will be held at the Kinnitty Community Centre, with doors opening at 7pm and curtain up at 7.30pm.

Tickets are €10 and can be purchased in any of the following ways:

• Call John on (085) 8328866

• Book online via Eventbrite:
  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-hotel-room-tickets-1964575854265

• Or pay at the door on the night

The cast and crew say they “cannot wait to get on stage this year” and are looking forward to sharing this hilarious new production with familiar faces and newcomers alike.

So why not check in, sit back and enjoy a night of side-splitting comedy? The Hotel Room is open for guests—and it’s a stay you won’t soon forget.

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