Kiltoom drama returns next week with classic comedy
More than two years after their last pre-Covid theatre production, Kiltoom Drama Group will be returning to the stage on Thursday next, November 24, up to and including Sunday, November 27.
The group has chosen a comedy - 'Brush with a Body' - to provide audiences with a great night's fun and light entertainment. The curtain opens at 8pm each night in Ballybay Parish Hall.
Written by playwright Maurice McLoughlin, the play takes place in the morning room of Sybil Walling's house in Hampstead, England.
During her brief absence to visit a friend, her children call Irish chimney sweep, Mr Flaherty, to clean a few chimneys that have been neglected for some time. His vigorous brushing unexpectedly dislodges considerably more than a normal bag of soot.
Kiltoom's large cast of eleven squeeze a great tune out of this classic comedy. The cast is comprised of a number of Kiltoom's more experienced actors including Ann Newcomen, Jed Rowlings, John McGrath, Lisa Nugent.
Ann plays the very composed, Sybil Walling, the mother who keeps her cards close to her chest until the big reveal at the end. Lisa plays the chatty housekeeper, Mrs Darcy, who is rather obsessed about getting plastic surgery on her nose.
Jed plays Detective Inspector Hardy, the sleuth, who deduces that the Walling family in its entirety are emotionally unstable and clearly are only imagining that a crime has taken place.
John McGrath plays the role of his side kick Sergeant Bray, who takes a particular interest in Mrs Darcy's nose. Maeve O’Reilly shows the breadth of her characterisation as Cynthia Walling, who goes through a wide range of emotions trying to keep a lid on the family secret which unfolds during the play. John Stack plays the versatile and challenging role of the shrewd Flaherty, the Irish chimney sweep.
More than half of this cast are making their stage debut in Kiltoom. The new faces include sisters Jessica and Rebecca Collins, and TUS students, Josh Earley and Saoirse Mulvihill.
Brian Toolan, who has graced the Athlone Little Theatre on many occasions, takes on the role of posh psychiatrist Henry Walling. This virtuoso performance alone is worth the entry fee.
Behind the scenes, the cast is supported by a great team, which includes stage designer and builder extraordinaire, Tom Shine. The crew also include Louise Shine, Debbie Kilbride, May Cunningham, Anne O’Sullivan, Orla Reidy, Helen Neeson, Anne Tuohy, Gillian Coughlan, Gaye Healy and Sean Arthur.
As always, the show would not go ahead without Carmel Nally, who keeps the cast and crew honest with her freshly baked scones and apple tart. No wonder everyone wants to join Kiltoom Drama! 'Brush with a Body' is directed by Ollie Hegarty.