Moore group to present ‘The Stations’
Moore & Clonfad Drama Society is back on stage rehearsing the postponed 2020 production of ‘The Stations’ a three-act comedy by Carole King, who hails from Co Mayo. The group will present ‘The Stations, in Moore Community Hall on, Friday, Saturday and Sunday March 25-27, with curtain at 8pm.
After a trying couple of years we all need a good laugh. Following the tradition of this group audiences can again expect to be thoroughly entertained with this production which is another very funny play with lots of familiar antics and usual excitement that accompanies preparations for the ‘The Stations’.
The story revolves around the extremely house proud Veronica O’Brien who is very proper and upstanding and likes everything to be just right, played by the wonderful actress Carmel Scott, well known for the many characters she has brought to life on the Moore stage. Audiences will no doubt have a little sympathy for Veronica’s over-worked and put upon husband Stanley, played by the very accomplished actor Tom Costello, who tries to keep on his wife’s good side while not always measuring up to her exacting standards.
The hapless Martha, a friend of Veronica, is played by Chrissie Kelly and according to Veronica poor Martha is doomed to spinsterhood, but things take a turn for the better when Martha finds romance with a neighbour of the O’Brien’s, Jack Devers, played by Tom Fahy, making a welcome comeback in this role, after a few years away from the stage. Jack is the apple of his mother Freda’s eye, ably portrayed by well-known actress Maura O’Brien, who has her own trouble fending off the romantic advances of her long time neighbour who happens to be Stanley’s, Uncle Ned, played by the wonderful comic actor Niall Flynn.
The Stations cannot happen without the parish priest of course and the overbearing Fr O’Malley, expertly played by Padraig Egan, is ably assisted in shepherding his flock by the very energetic Sr Bernadine, played by Bernie Greene, delightfully portraying the energetic nun who is very partial to a bit of healthy exercise and tries to bring all the other ladies with her on her keep fit regime. Fr O’Malley is also assisted by newcomer to the group, Ben Halpin playing the altar server.
Veronica’s constant boasting about her children is tested when daughter Chiara, played by Aoife Hibbitt, in her debut role with the group, arrives from London minus her aristocratic husband, Lord Tristan Lloyd, played by stalwart of the group Patrick Whelan and leave it to Jonathan, the son of the O’Briens, played by Oliver Grenham in his debut with the group, who arrives home showing his true colours to the absolute mortification of his very righteous mother in front of the parish priest and all her friends and neighbours attending the Stations.
As always this production from Moore and Clonfad Drama Group guarantees plenty of mayhem and comedic intrigue brought to life under the superb directing skills of Mr. Liam Curley. Liam’s association with this group is of very long standing and the group acknowledge that its success is synonymous with Liam’s particular genius, in directing comedy and his capacity to bring every modicum of fun from every character on stage and every line in the script.
The group owes a huge debt of gratitude to all who help out with the play with a special word of thanks to the stage crew, hall committee, community employment scheme and all who help out with putting this on stage.
Audiences are guaranteed ‘a belly load of laughs’. Just the tonic we all need to get rid of lockdown memories – a good laugh with your family and friends. Don’t miss your chance to see it - Be there early to avoid disappointment.