Prior to the Christmas rush, it’s time to treat yourself to a great night of laughter, fun and top class drama in Athlone Little Theatre.
Three fantastic one-act comedies, directed by Hélène Lepaon, Clive Darling and Paddy Martin, are currently gracing the Athlone Little Theatre stage and will continue to do so until Wednesday, December 6, performances commencing at 8pm. There is also a matinee showing on Sunday, December 3, at 3pm
All three productions are quite different but each will move you and send you home with a big smile on your face!
In ‘Dear Diva’ by Jan Harris and directed by Hélène Lepaon, middle-aged Frances (Linda Butler ), is excitedly awaiting the arrival of legendary mega star of stage and screen Ezzlie Harlow (Michelle Kelly ) to her humble home. Both the superfan and the big star are in for shocks, betrayal and a reversal of fortune, as they learn from each other to be careful what you wish for. Ronan McGrane completes the cast as the taxi driver.
In the second production, ‘Louie’s Daughter’ by Frederick Stroppel and directed by Clive Darling, the action centres around a typical corner bar, where regulars A.G. (Martin Kelleher ) and Woody (Brian Foy ) enjoy the male camaraderie of friendly insults, unsolicited opinions and pointless conversation. But their comfortable everyday routine is disrupted by the unexpected presence of a pretty female bartender Donna, played by Ekiñe Azcárate.
‘Melody’ by Deirdre Kinahan, directed by Paddy Martin, is a quirky play focusing on the peculiar passions shared by a bachelor Mr Kane (Ronan Flynn ) and widow Kathleen (Gráinne Moore ). These two lonely souls realise they share many common interests including classical music, ham and cheese sandwiches and much, much more.
The cast on-stage are indebted to the work backstage to bring the productions to fruition, so big thanks go to stage manager Bróna McCormack, alongside her backstage crew of Maresa Kelly, Ronan McGrane and Joanna Grobosz. Paddy Martin is responsible for lighting and sound design, with lighting and sound operation by John Allen and Katie Lynch.