‘Four Short Plays’ at Little Theatre
Banish the November blues in Athlone Little Theatre from November 28 to December 3 with ‘Four Short Plays’, showcasing laugh-out-loud comedy, great drama and new talent on and off-stage.
First up is ‘Hairdressers’ Code’ by Julie Johnson, directed by Joe Brady, a hilarious short play revolving around the interactions and secrets shared among customers and a hairdresser in a small-town hair salon.
Trust and confidentiality are put to the test as hairdresser Paula navigates personal stories and dilemmas while attempting to maintain her professional code before murder and mayhem ensue, according to director Joe Brady. The play features Aileen Holly, Sylvia Kilcline, Emma Harmon, Olive Robinson, Linda Butler and MK Pathan.
Second on the programme is ‘The Red-Headed League’ by Arthur Conan Doyle, adapted by Cathal Quinn, and directed by Michelle Kelly.
Adapted from the Sherlock Holmes short story, the action is now set in Dublin in 1928 with a female Holmes, Shelly, rather than Sherlock, attempting to solve the mystery of the red-headed league.
“I chose this play because I wanted to work with a bigger cast and a female lead role. I love the writing of Arthur Conan Doyle and I really enjoyed Cathal Quinn’s take on the story,” comments director Michelle Kelly.
She is delighted to introduce three new actors to Athlone Little Theatre along with two well-known faces as part of her cast.
Kathryn Joyce-White, Susan McDonnell, Paul Gallagher, Charlie McKeown and Ray Kelly all feature.
The third play on the night is another comedy, ‘Glacier Bay’ by Frederick Stroppel, directed by Clive Darling. A tender and humorous love story, we meet elderly couple Connie and Artie at their grandnephew’s confirmation party, where forgetfulness is the order of the day.
“Their biting banter is both poignant and yet hilarious. It addresses ageing, memory loss and the shifting roles in a marriage, all with great cheerfulness,” says director Clive Darling.
The play features Brian Foy, Chrissie Killian and Maresa Kelly in her first on-stage role.
Rounding out the night is a premiere of ‘Class of 57’ by Mick Donnellan, directed by Caroline Coyle, a production that deals with the big themes of love, loss, death, violence and change.
It follows Ciara, who goes out running most days, but she’s also running away from darker addiction problems at home with her fiancé, Tom. When she stops at a bench one day, she meets the mysterious Raphael, who offers her a chip and so much more.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing ‘Class of 57’ on stage. Mick Donnellan gave me free rein to Athlone-ise it, so there will be references to the Strand and local colloquialisms,” says director Caroline Coyle.
“We have a great cast. Nino Magliocco plays Raphael, his very first time on stage, and he brings the character to life. Ellen Ryan, who recently graduated in theatre studies and performance at UCC, plays the role of Ciara with great skill. Brian Toolan plays the role of Tom.”
‘Four Short Plays’ kicks off in Athlone Little Theatre on November 28 running until December 3.
There is a Sunday matinée only on November 30 at 3pm. Book your tickets now via www.athlonelittletheatre.ie