Laughter aplenty as local drama group stage successful madcap comedy

LAUGHTER filled the air in Carrig/Riverstown Community Hall for three nights last weekend as CRK Drama Group staged the Ray Cooney comedy “It Runs in the Family”.

It was another successful production for the group as audience were treated to a night of madcap mayhem, typical of a Ray Cooney farce. Confusion, consternation and crazy antics were the order of the day as the story unfolded, much to the amusement of those watching.

This was CRK's first foray back since the enforced break for Covid-19 and it was great to see full houses back enjoying good local entertainment and everyone having a good time.

Playwright Ray Cooney has been very successful with plays like this one where it is often a case of if something can go wrong it does go wrong. Cases of mistaken identity, confusing situations, mixed signals are all part and parcel of his plays and when done well are very funny.

CRK can be very pleased with their adaptation of the story, which was slick and fast and moved with good momentum throughout. There were a few occasions of missed lines on opening night but nothing to detract from the overall enjoyment of the production.

The play is set in a doctor's common room in a London Hospital where Dr David Mortimore is about to deliver the Ponsonby Lecture at an International Conference of Neurologists, which could be the highlight of his career. But fate intervenes when a face from his past, Nurse Jane Tate, calls to see him with some life changing news that they have a son. From there things start to unravel and Dr Mortimore tries to keep the news secret before he delivers his lecture but every time he tries to explain one situation with a little white lie, he creates even more problems, not only for himself but for the other characters as well. With a coterie of other crazy characters coming in and out, it all provided some raucous laughter amongst the audience.

Brendan Hanamy has been directing with CRK since they started and his experienced hand was visible in this production. It is important to maintain the pace and momentum in these farces to get the most out of the comedy and they achieved that here.

Declan Murray played the role of Dr David Mortimore and did so with great assurance. He had good presence on stage and depicted a character who was always quick to try and cover his tracks when another difficult scenario presented itself.

He was very ably backed up by Michael Hayes, who was excellent in the role of Dr Hubert Bonney. Often dragged in by Dr Mortimore to try and back up his cover stories, Michael played the role with great energy as he portrayed the character frequently flustered trying to keep up with Dr Mortimore's stories.

Nurse Jane Tate was played by Lisa Deane, who did a fine job. She portrayed the role with confidence and displayed good acting ability with good use of facial expressions and mannerisms.

Her son Leslie was played by Caelum Larkin, who made a big impression. The make up and hairstyle was excellent and Caelum gave a strong portrayal of the character.

Dr Michael Connolly was played by Leonard Deane, who gave a delightful depiction of the character. His acting ability was very evident and he made his mark whenever he arrived on stage.

Dr Mortimore's wife Rosemary was played by Maria Harding. She was very assured in the role and came across very well on stage.

Sir Willoughby Drake was played by Padraig Freeman. Sir Willoughby is chairman of the Hospital Board of Governors and Padraig looked the part and he captured the essence of the role.

Ruth Scully played the part of Matron and gave a very effective portrayal of the character, even when being carted off the stage upside down in a wheelchair! She gave a strong performance and her delivery was good.

The role of the Police Sergeant was played by Ross Connaughton, who did a fine job. He had a commanding presence on stage and played the role very well.

The role of Bill, a patient in a wheelchair who ended up in the common room, was portrayed with great effect by Joseph Hynes. He maintained the characteristics of the patient well throughout.

Edel Pey did a good job as Dr Bonney's mother and she got the most of the role while Leanne Kelly also did a good job as Sister and played her part in a successful production.

The set was very good, with swinging double doors typical of any hospital, and it set the scene very well.

It was a great night's entertainment and everyone certainly went home very happy with that they saw.

Cast

Dr David Mortimore – Declan Murray; Dr Michael Connolly – Leonard Deane; Rosemary – Maria Harding; Dr Hubert Bonney – Michael Hayes; Sr Willoughby Drake – Padraig Freeman; Matron – Ruth Scully; Bill – Joseph Hynes; Police Sergeant – Ross Connaughton; Jane Tate – Lisa Deane; Leslie – Caelum Larkin; Sister – Leanne Kelly; Mother – Edel Pey.

Production Team

Director – Brendan Hanamy; Producer – Tony Dargan; Stage Managers - Fleur Morris, Martina Rabbette; Construction Crew – Ray Hoare, Andrew Carney, Eddie Doorley, Tadhg Sullivan, Dermot Sullivan; Lights and Sound – Kian McDowall; Prompter – Donna O'Brien; Programme – Anthony Dargan; Committee – Claire Deane, Anthony Dargan, Orla Sullivan, Mary King, Kate O'Brien, Michelle Parnell-Smyth.