It’s that time of year once again when Claregalway Leisure Centre is magically transformed from a busy sports hall into an extravagant theatre, ready to showcase nine nights of spectacular drama from some of the best drama societies around the country.
The Festival Committee have been working tirelessly to complete this transformation. The groups have been rehearsing since as far back as early November to ensure only top quality drama is on display.
The Festival opens tonight (Thursday 15 ) with Clare group Sliabh Aughty Drama Group performing Moonglow by Kim Carney. Previous All Ireland winners Corn Mill Theatre Group return on Friday night with Waiting for Godot by the acclaimed playwright Samuel Beckett.
There are laughs aplenty on Saturday night with Cork group Conna Drama Group performing the hilarious Run for your Wife by Ray Cooney. Festival favourites Corofin Drama Group will perform the classic Big Maggie on Sunday night, with Glenamaddy Drama Group performing The Good Father by Christian O Reilly on Monday.
Tuesday night sees Thurles Drama Group perform Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward, and then on Wednesday Enniscorthy Drama Group travel to Claregalway for the first time, when they will perform Martin McDonagh’s The Beauty Queen of Leenane.
Local group Compántas Lir will perform the much-loved The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams on Thursday. If you missed their performances in the Taibhdhearc, this is the perfect opportunity to catch them. Finally Lifford Players will return on Friday night to perform Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel and close the festival on a high.
While providing top class entertainment for the audience, the nine groups performing at Claregalway Drama Festival are also bidding for their chance to perform at the All Ireland Drama Finals later in the Spring. The festival prizes will be awarded by adjudicator Irene O’Meara who will be tasked with deciding the winners of the Festival on the final night.
As always, there is a full bar where audience members can have a drink and a chat after each performance, or enjoy some complimentary refreshments and delicious home baking.
There will be plenty of raffle prizes each night and the opportunity to win membership to Core Fitness, Claregalway in the final night draw. And all this entertainment for just €10 a night, or €60 for a season ticket which covers all nine nights of the Festival. Ticket reservation is advised by calling 085 1426186. The Festival takes place in Claregalway Leisure Centre. Doors open at 7.30 nightly and the performance starts at 8pm sharp each night.
For more information call Sheila on 086 8981731 or check out the Facebook page.
