December 10 sees Ballymahon local Jude McLynn take on the mammoth task of performing the thrilling play Howie the Rookie in Bog Lane Theatre.
Written in 1999 by one of Ireland’s greatest modern playwrights, Mark O’Rowe (Intermission, Terminus ), the play was originally intended to be performed by two actors but was adapted in recent years by O’Rowe so that Tom Vaughan-Lawlor could perform same, which sees one man tasked with telling the story of both Howie and The Rookie.
In the first half, McLynn is Howie (“a goer goes all the way” ), sharing his part of the tale and in the second half he takes over as The Rookie (“a handsome c**t” ) who picks up the narrative. With only a very slight costume change at the halfway point, he transforms seamlessly from one lead character to the next.
Along the way we meet an assortment of colourful characters from The Ladyboy (with “three sets of teeth instead of one” ) to Avalanche (“a monster... sixteen stone, size 40s on her chest, few tats” ). Set over two bleak and vivid nights, the story itself ranges from side-splitting hilarity to absolute heartbreak and what’s more you won’t see it coming.
This is a show not to be missed and will surely be the most mammoth task McLynn has taken on to date, following a lead role in The 39 Steps (2012 ) and the part of the matchmaker with Athlone Little Theatre’s production of The Chastitute (2013 ). Tickets are now available through email to [email protected] or by texting (087 ) 2415178, and the shows will be running in Bog Lane Theatre, Ballymahon on December 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, and 18. Tickets cost €12.
The show is being produced in conjunction with Bog Lane Theatre, Ballymahon, with 50 per cent of the total funds raised being kindly donated to St Joseph’s Nursing Home in Longford.
Please note this show contains very strong language that some people might find offensive.
