Let yourself get 'Caught on the Hop' next week
In 2010 Rosemount Drama Group were hugely successful in performing Neil Simon's farce "Rumours". This year they return to the stage with "Caught on the Hop" a farcical comedy by English playwright Derek Benfield, a two-act play awash with high-voltage hilarity which stems from a confusion of mistaken identities, plots, counterplots and diverse characters. The action revolves around Phil, a husband who likes to wander, and his best friend George, who is, as always, expected to pick up the pieces when things go wrong - as they inevitably do. Phil tries to evoke George's help in order that he might leave his wife Maggie and move in next door to his marital home with a young girl he met last week on the top of a bus. Obliging George agrees to help Phil thus setting in motion a major disorganised cover-up as the rest of the characters are introduced. Phil's innocent girlfriend Julie starts the panic as she arrives early and believes Phil's marital home is indeed George's. Phil's tolerant wife Maggie acts as hostess and invites everyone to stay for dinner, blissfully unaware of their true identities. The housekeeper Mrs. Puffet frowns upon much of the evening's antics and provides great entertainment. Newly officiated fireman Mr. Brasset arrives looking for his daughter and her new love interest whom he believes is running around the garden all evening. The mayhem is intensified by fiery Greta who has been stood up and lady's man Alan. Many farcical moments are provided as George and Phil tell numerous tall tales as they attempt to conceal the truth to all of the unexpected guests. The chaos and panic that ensues is guaranteed to have audiences holding their sides with laughter. The cast is similar to that of last year's production and the play is once again directed by Jackie Madden. The eight bringing the show to the stage are Joe Farrell, John Keenan, Liz Keenan, Aisling Boland, Helena Keenan, Hughie Slevin, Carol O'Brien and Eamonn Duffy. Rosemount Drama Group, founded in 1937, sold out four nights in Tuar Ard Arts Centre, Moate in 2010 and two nights in Rosemount Community Centre. This year the cast hope to carry on the success and reputation of Rosemount Drama Group through two performances in Rosemount Community Centre on Saturday April 2 and Sunday April 3 and five nights in Tuar Ard. Wednesday April 6 is the opening night in Tuar Ard and runs through to Sunday April 10. A donation will be made to the Midland Simon Community from the proceeds of Wednesday's performance in Tuar Ard. All performances are at 8.30pm and be sure to book your seat in Tuar Ard in advance on 0906482042.