Kinnitty Players return again with “Through The Chair”
AFTER a hiatus of almost 40 years, the Kinnitty Players, like a phoenix, rose from the ashes in 2022. Following conversations between several locals in the Slieve Bloom Bar, it was decided that it was time to bring drama back to the stage in Kinnitty.
Last December saw the group’s first production of Separate Beds, a farce from popular northern playwright, Sam Cree, under the brilliant (and patient) supervision of director Paul Spencer. The play ran for three nights to sold out audiences in Kinnitty Community Centre, and it was truly amazing to see and hear the overwhelmingly positive reactions and feedback from locals, not just on the play but the resurrection of a drama group in Kinnitty.
They were delighted to have numerous, well established local drama groups in attendance over the three nights and it was evident that there is a particularly strong community of drama enthusiasts situated in south Offaly and north Tipperary. The Kinnitty Player cast and crew also got to enjoy shows from several other groups throughout the year which proved a real inspiration – it's very addictive, and encouraging to see first hand, the remarkable local talent on display.
Following on from the success of last year's show, this year's production by the Kinnitty Players is called “Through the Chair”, a comedy by Billy Canning, which will be staged in Kinnitty Community Centre from Thursday December 7th to Saturday December 9th. The play follows the antics of a local pub's lotto syndicate and let's just say, not all is fair in love and lotto balls.
The cast this year includes several members from last year's production plus a few new faces, and their director, Paul Spencer, a man with many years’ experience under his belt is back again. The cast this year is:
Lorraine Scully plays Sheila, a lively barmaid who is not afraid to go after what she wants.
Aine Flaherty plays Cathy, a straight laced widow who has dediated her life to her family, especially her darling son Jim.
Ciaran Byrne plays Jim, Cathy’s son and as laid back as they come. The world could fall down around him and he’d be none the wiser.
Louise Makim plays Mary, Jim’s loyal girlfriend who is all set to move to London, but will Jim follow?
Dympna Dooley plays Helen, Mary’s mother and a reliable source of all local history (the local gossip).
John Joe Hartnett plays Eddie, a bachelor running the local pub who has never found love (or has he?).
Kevin Byrne plays Dan, a retired school teacher who is now dedicated to living life to the full and who enjoys the company of the opposite sex.
Therese O’Carroll plays Nuala, Cathy’s best friend and confidant. Vivacious, flirtatious, loud and open minded, she’s looking for the one but he’s proving illusive.
John Spain plays Mossie, awkward, contrary former best friend of Eddie! He’s full of smart comments and objects to pretty much everything and everyone.
Donal Spain plays Maurice, the local guard and pillar of the community. Straight laced and by the book, will he be a guard by the end, who knows?
And of course, behind every cast is an amazing and dedicated backstage team, and the Kinnitty Players are no different. They couldn’t put on a play without the huge support from their set designers and builders, Robert O’Donnell, Padraig Dooley and Lorraine Delaney; their stage team, Margaret Ryan and Laura Spencer; continuity team, Vicky Reams and Eilish Faye; make-up and wardrobe, Emer Dunne; social media team of Deirdre O’Sullivan and Trudy Carroll, and so many others who help when needed.
Finally, the incredibly generous support from the local community and businesses has been overwhelming and it really makes all the hard work and effort worthwhile.
The Kinnitty Players hope to see everyone at this years show, running from Thursday December 7th to Saturday December 9th in Kinnitty Community Centre. You can buy tickets:
Online at https://bit.ly/through-the-chair.
By texting/calling (087) 2459799.
In person at Kinnitty PO.