Summer Theatre Was Successful Experiment

Summer theatre came to Sligo for the first time ever when, for three nights, in the Town Hall there was a Sligo group production of J. M. Synge’s classic “The Playboy of the Western World”. Even though the presentation was held in connection with the sixth annual Yeats International Summer School, the staging of a play by an all local, all-amateur group in the month of August was a bold and ambitious experiment. However, it paid off most handsomely and there were large and appreciative audiences for each night of the run. As deputy for our regular drama critic who is absent at the moment on holidays, I attended the play on Saturday night and came away feeling very well satisfied with the entire production.

A feature of the performance was, I thought, the general, all-round level of acting. This was quite obviously a well-balanced team. Unlike what happens in so many amateur shows of this kind, there were no starring handful giving exceptionally good performances, but then having these backgrounded by below par performances by other members of the cast. This was a group of players who were consistent and in their consistency they were good. It is quite true, of course, that some more than others may have captured the true feeling for these unique Synge characters and as a result turned in performances that rang with a greater sincerity. But judging the production in its completeness it was undoubtedly a success and one very well worthy of Sligo.

I feel that this was a team which deserves congratulations for their dedication to the amateur theatre. Few people, other than the real enthusiasts, would care to devote their time during the bright, if rather wintry, summer evenings of the past few months for the presentation of a play. Yet it was apparent from the finished product that rehearsals must have been well attended and arduous and that those taking part were inspired by the ambition to present a good show. This sacrifice of time involved by the members of the cast, at a time of year when most people’s interests lie out of doors is, I think, worthy of praise and it is indeed heartening that Sligo has such a band of players who are prepared to submerge their own individual interests for the benefit of giving visitors an opportunity of seeing for themselves another phase of Sligo people’s pursuits in the cultural field. But despite these thoughts on the backround to the production, it must be admitted that “the play’s the thing” and so it is pleasurable to report that the time and effort involved was very well worth while and that the presentation rates as such a fine achievement.

Walter Mc Donagh, who produced and directed “The Playboy” can feel a considerable sense of high attainment on the success of his work. Served by an experienced, loyal cast, he was responsible for moulding them into a group who gave a very interesting and faithful interpretation to this outstanding play. The play is, of course, dominated by the “Playboy” himself and Eddie Fitzpatrick was excellent as Christy Mahon. Playing opposite him as Pegeen Mike, Monica Toher turned in a fine performance. Seán O’ Reilly’s playing of Shawn Keogh was a well-polished cameo, while Joan Fitzpatrick was a forthright Widow Quinn. Eddie Mac Dermottroe gave a robust performance as Old Mahon and Michael Gunning was very sound in his role as Michael James Flaherty. The other parts were all very well done by Liam Mc Kinney, Ray Cawley, Dolores Carr, Ruth Crampton, Marie Flood, while the supporting players included Freddie Chrystal, Eily Kilgannon, Dolores Mc Rory, Joseph Meehan, Tommy Fallon and Val Dolan.

The setting was magnificent. Designed and constructed by Reverend Brother Columban, it captured the locale of the plot and provided just the right atmosphere. Lighting too was very good and it was in the hands of Tommy Fallon. make-up was by Marie Flood; hairstyles by Ruth Crampton; costume supervision by Monica Toher and stage management by Eily Kilgannon, Liam Mc Kinney and Freddie Chrystal. The most informative programme was the work of Eileen Lambert.

Speaking after the performance on Saturday night, Mr. F. J. Wynne, President of the Yeats Society, returned the Society’s thanks to Mr. Walter Mc Donagh and that talented Sligo group and complimented and congratulated them on the magnificent and thrilling performance. The production equalled, if not excelled, the best professional performance of “The Playboy”, said Mr. Wynne. That night’s entertainment must surely rank very high among the various items provided for the pleasure and enjoyment of professors, lecturers and students from many parts of the world who were gathered in Sligo for the Yeats school.

“I think”, went on Mr. Wynne, “it would be correct to say that “The Playboy” was never performed before so large an international audience as we have here tonight. I am sure I can say on their behalf that they have thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the tremendous ovation you have given the players is ample evidence of this. I was instructed not to mention any of the players individually. Even if I was inclined to do so I would find it extremely difficult to pick out any particular actor or actress – they were all excellent in their respective roles. I must, however, specially mention Walter Mc Donagh, the brilliant producer; Monica Toher, who, apart from her acting, agreed at the request of the Yeats Society to get together this group, and Rev. Brother Columban, who was responsible for this superb stage setting”.

from The Sligo Champion, by P. Mac M., September 3rd, 1965