Performance of 'Out of Order' a triumph for local drama group

HILARITY was the order of the day for CRK Drama Group last weekend as their production of Ray Cooney's 'Out Of Order' filled Carrig/Riverstown Community Hall for three nights of fun filled action, that sent full houses home very happy with what they had seen.

This production was up with the best that CRK Drama Group have performed over the years and certainly maintained the very high standard that the group has set for themselves since they first took to the stage.

Ray Cooney farces are very funny, particularly when done well, and this one was certainly done well. The pace was right, the exchanges were sharp and on point and the acting was excellent.

From start to finish there was no let up in the action, which moved swiftly and smoothly and the comedy was very much to the forefront all the way. The characters were all very well developed and the cast maintained those characteristics perfectly throughout. There were a string of very funny situations and the cast got the most out of them, which led to lots of laughter in the hall.

Out of Order centres around Junior Government Minister Richard Willey MP, who instead of attending an important debate in the House of Commons, plans to spend an evening with Jane Worthington, one of the opposition party's typists. Everything is set up in a Westminister hotel for the night but then things start to go wrong, particularly when they discover a body in their room. Keen to avoid any scandal, Richard Willey tries to talk his way out of the situation but each time he does that, his little fib creates another problem. His unfortunate Personal Private Secretary George Pigden is unwittingly dragged into the drama to try and cover for his boss and mayhem and confusion ensue.

As can be expected from Ray Cooney plays, there was lots of people coming and going, hiding in bedrooms or cupboards, other people being confused for someone else and totally unexpected twists. There were people climbing in and out of windows, windows banging shut and characters totally perplexed with what was going on and it all added up to a great night of laughter and fun.

Brendan Hanamy's direction was very evident as the cast were excellently prepared and there was hardly a blip throughout the night. Maintaining the pace and ensuring the interactions were fast and sharp are central to the success of farces like this and that was achieved with aplomb by the CRK cast, who all performed to a high standard.

The role of MP Richard Willey was played by Rós Connaughton and he did an excellent job. He had a strong presence on the stage and was commanding in the role. His efforts to try and talk himself out of trouble usually backfired and he depicted that well, with good acting skills.

His Personal Private Secretary George Pigden was played wonderfully by Michael Hayes. Richard Willey's attempts to talk himself out of trouble usually meant trouble for George and Michael portrayed the consternation, exasperation and frustration of the situations that that he unwittingly ended up in as a result with great gusto. His reactions, facial expressions and overall acting were excellent.

Padraig Freeman played the role of the Hotel Manager and he did so authoritatively. He looked the part and came across very well in a strong performance.

The Waiter was played by Declan Murray. It was a lovely understated performance of the role and he made the most of the comedic element of the part in a very convincing display.

Monica Larkin played the role of Jane Worthington, who Richard Willey planned spending the night with. Monica gave a very confident and assured performance and was comfortable on stage and played the character well.

Her husband Ronnie was played by Leonard Deane. Ronnie had his suspicions about what was going on and arrived at the hotel to find his wife. Leonard gave a wonderful characterisation of the man trying to locate his wife all over the hotel and some of actions were very comical.

Joseph Hynes played the part of 'A Body'. It's not easy to play the role of a body being dragged around the stage and particularly being left hanging on a hook in a cupboard but Joseph did it very well. The body 'comes back to life' later on and Joseph portrayed the character with great effect.

Richard Willey's wife Pamela made a surprise visit to the hotel to add to the confusion and Lisa Deane was impressive and confident in her portrayal of this character.

Ruth Scully played Gladys, who was the nurse to George Pigden's mother, and who also arrives at the hotel, and Ruth gave a wholehearted performance of the role.

Chloe Kelly made a very good impression in her role as the The Maid, who occasionally popped in and out of the hotel room.

The set was impressive and was made up well to look like a room in a swish hotel.

Overall it was a very funny night and certainly another triumph for CRK Drama Group.

Cast

Richard Willey MP – Rós Connaughton; The Manager – Padraig Freeman; The Waiter – Declan Murray; Jane – Monica Larkin; A Body – Joseph Hynes; George Pigden – Michael Hayes; The Maid – Chloe Kelly; Ronnie – Leonard Deane; Pamela – Lisa Deane; Gladys – Ruth Scully.

Production Credits

Director – Brendan Hanamy; Producer – Barry Deane; Stage Manager – Martina Rabbette; Backstage Assistant – Leanne Kelly; Set Design – Mark McDowall, Brendan Hanamy; Construction Crew – Andrew Carney, Ray Hoare, Mick Collins, Eddie Doorley, Tadhg Sullivan, Dermot Sullivan; Lights & Sound – Maria Harding; Continuity – Edel Pey; Make-up – Sarah King; CRK Drama Committee – Claire Deane, Barry Deane, Michelle Parnell-Smyth, Sylvia Kelly, Orla Sullivan, Dermot Sullivan.