Published: Wednesday, 24th February, 2010 5:00pm

Banish those recession blues at Athlone Little Theatre

Are these still freezing recession evenings getting you down? Are you pining for something to banish all the bad news, even if it's just for one night? Well, Athlone Little Theatre rides to the rescue again with a new production of Bernard Farrell's timeless comedy, 'I Do Not Like Thee, Doctor Fell,' from Sunday next February 28.

At once hilarious and thought provoking, insightful and intense, Doctor Fell created a sensation when it was first produced in Dublin in the late 1970s, and it gave many people serious second thoughts about the new middle class drug of "therapy."

That first production featured names like Liam Neeson and Tom Hickey, and the play has been revived many times since to always enthusiastic reactions from audiences.

It's the story of a therapy encounter weekend that plunges into hilarious and scary territory almost from the off. The theory is that people are supposed to lock themselves away from the world under the guidance of perky, business-like Suzy Bernstein, played by Aileen Holly, talk honestly and openly about their problems and emerge as happier, more well-adjusted humans.

It's a situation that is ripe for comedy plucking, and Bernard Farrell takes every opportunity to poke fun at the lies and delusions of Miss Bernstein's group therapy members. Through the strange appearance of Joe Fell, played by Jason Gill, the group is plunged into scary and hilarious territory as the revelations and shocks come thick and fast. As each character is forced to face unpleasant realities, audiences are left guessing until the very end about Joe's motives. What is he up to? Is he insane, dangerous or just taking the mickey? This enthralling and provocative play also marks the directorial debut of Billy Nott, one of the Little Theatre's most stalwart and distinguished members. As rehearsals enter their final phase, hopes are high that - just as it did for Bernard Farrell years ago - this play will mark the start of a long and exciting new career as director for Billy. He has assembled a most talented cast for what promises to be one of the funniest evenings at the Little Theatre in many a year. John McGlynn gives a hilarious comic turn as Roger, the perennially-confused therapy junkie. Chrissie Keane will have them rolling in the aisles as the feline obsessed Rita. Maria Griffin and newcomer Albert Gillick will be delightful as the flighty Maureen and her jealous, bullying builder husband, Peter, a couple who seem to predict many of the obsessions of the later Celtic Tiger. Also featured is Ronan Flynn as the sardonic caretaker, Paddy, whose down to earth realism contrasts sharply with the organised insanity around him.

Set design is by the ever-talented Paddy Martin and Clive Darling. The play opens on Sunday next February 28 until the following Friday, March 5. Tickets can be had by calling into the Theatre at St. Mary's Place or by phoning 090 6474324, and early booking is most definitely advisable.