Theatre Means Dawn Of New Era For Drama In Sligo

Sligo’s new £250,000 custom-built theatre, officially opened by the President of Ireland, Dr. Patrick J. Hillery, this week, marks a significant development of drama in the area. The 300-seater theatre, the only one of its kind west of the Shannon, will enhance Sligo’s reputation as an artistic and cultural centre, fulfilling a dream held for over twenty years by Sligo drama lovers. “The Hawk’s Well Theatre”, named after one of W. B. Yeats’ great works, represents the beginning of what should be a bright and adventurous new era for Sligo’s world of drama. “The biggest job that now remains to be done is to fill the place on the five nights a week in which it will be open. If we can do that then we are doing a tremendous amount of work”, said Artistic Director/Manager, Rhoda Mc Manus, yesterday.

In its embryonic stages, the venture was funded in a unique venture by two national bodies. The Arts Council combined with Bord Fáilte and Sligo Corporation to secure the capital needs for the project. “It’s a tremendous tribute to the work which everyone has put in, but the real work begins this week, and from now on to ensure quality productions for the Sligo public”, Said Rhoda Mc Manus. Understandably, she is delighted with the new centre, which she claims is one of the best in the country. She confidently predicts that it will attract some of the country’s top performers in the theatrical world. Already she has far-reaching plans which could give an added boost to drama in Sligo. She favours the setting up of a professional company in the area and the establishment of a theatre school in Sligo Regional College.

Meanwhile, the early programme of events has something for everyone, with Sligo performers figuring prominently. Druid’s (Galway) production of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing”, the highlight of the opening night’s performances, will run until Saturday 16th January. W. B. Yeats’ “The Cat and the Moon” (Sligo Drama Circle) will then follow, and on January 19th one of Sligo’s other theatre groups, the Profile Theatre Company will begin the first of two productions. “Private Lives”, written by the famous British actor, director and movie star, Noel Coward, is a comedy which tells the tale of two married couples who depart for their honeymoon, bump into each other and find out that they have more than they bargained for in common. The Profile Theatre Group were set up about four years ago and have enjoyed a fair shar of success since then. Playing in their first production in the Hawk’s Well will be David Johnston (Ellioa Chase), Denise Doolan (Amanda Prynne), Phil O’ Connor (Sybil) and Frank Brannigan (Victor).

From January 26th to 30th the company will stage Bernard Farrell’s “I Do Not Like Thee, Dr. Fell”. In this comedy a group therapy session turns out to be rather more than the patients expected. Further details of these and other plays planned for the theatre can be had by contacting the theatre at the special 61518 number (at which bookings can be made). Full club bar facilities are available on the night of any production.

from The Sligo Champion, by Michael Moran, January 15th, 1982