Drama Group to bring ‘Sive’ to Kiltoom
Kiltoom Drama Group is delighted to announce that its upcoming 2026 Spring production is the poignant drama, 'Sive' by John B. Keane.
This gripping production will be performed at 8pm nightly between Thursday, March 19 and Sunday, March 22 in Kiltoom Parish Hall.
This will be Kiltoom Drama Group’s seventh JB Keane production, having previously performed: ‘Many Young Men of Twenty’, ‘Big Maggie’, ‘The Chastitute’, ‘The Buds of Ballybunnion’, ‘The Year of the Hiker’ and ‘The Field’.
First performed in 1959, 'Sive' still enjoys iconic status in contemporary Ireland and retains several of the most enduring images within the annals of Irish theatre history. Discussing the reasons for the play's enduring resonance, director Ollie Hegarty said: “The playwright was not afraid to tackle the hard-hitting societal, cultural and religious themes, which underpinned the country’s fragile transition during the decades following our independence”.
This poignant, character-driven drama revolves around the Glavin family, living in a typically small rural impoverished holding. The central character, Sive, is played by Rebecca Collins, who effortlessly portrays a sweet, polite, innocent and obedient 18-year-old orphan schoolgirl.
Sive’s rather passive, easily manipulated uncle, Mike Glavin, is played by Paul Slevin. He has unexpectedly inherited parental responsibilities (along with his wife Mena) following the death of Sive’s mother. Elaine Walsh plays Sive’s aunt - the harsh, conniving Mena Glavin.
Nanna, Sive’s compassionate and protective paternal grandmother, played by Phil O’Laoide, shares the family home with her son Mike, Mena and Sive. Although she has lost all authority and influence in the family, Nanna remains deeply protective of Sive.
One of John B’s most memorable characters is the local ‘matchmaker’, Thomasheen Seán Rua, who has some of the most colourful lines. He possesses a flawed moral compass and is unashamedly motivated by self-interest.
He calls to see Mena Glavin with an indecent proposal - a marriage partner for 18-year-old Sive to local wealthy farmer, Seán Dóta, who is old enough to be her grandfather. To try to secure Mena and Mike’s consent, the matchmaker offers Sive’s so-called guardians a substantial cash incentive.
Other characters outside of the Glavin household, include Sive’s true love, Liam Scuab, played by Cian Seoige McGrath, who is making his first appearance in a Kiltoom Drama production. Tom Blaine plays local and moderately wealthy farmer, Seán Dóta, while Ged Rowlands and Dermot FitzGerald play two popular travellers, Pats Bocock and his son, Cartalawn.
To see the gripping plot unfold, come to Kiltoom Parish Hall at 8pm nightly between March 19 and March 22. The entry fee is €15 (seniors €10), cash only. Arrival no later than 7.45pm is recommended.
‘Sive’ is staged by kind permission of the Drama League of Ireland CLG.
Acknowledging that 'Sive' is a prescribed text for both the 2025-2026 Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate English exams, Kiltoom Drama Group is providing students from Roscommon, Westmeath and other adjoining counties with a positive experience of live theatre by hosting a one-off special performance of the play on Wednesday, March 18, at 8pm. The group is charging students a heavily discounted entry fee of €5 for this performance only.
To reserve seats, English teachers can simply email: oliverohegarty@gmail.com in coming days and week stating the school name and address, a contact name and telephone number, and the number of seats you wish to reserve for the March 18 student performance.