Drama Circle’s “Streetcar” Was Simply Superb

Sligo Drama Circle must be hotly tipped for festival honours again this season because their presentation of “A Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee Williams, seen by capacity audiences in Sligo Town Hall on four nights last week, was simply superb. It was the most realistic and captivating production to come before the Sligo theatre fans in quite some time and the Drama Circle deserve their every aim fulfilled for the obvious hard work and effort which makes this play pulsate with life. Characterisation and technique were almost flawless. Dee O’ Connor, as Blanche, was so completely at home on the stage that one could hardly believe this was her first role while Shane Cleary (Stanley) gave a top class performance. Joan Fitzpatrick, as Stella, gave another of her consistently excellent interpretations.

Director, Liam Mc Kinney, must get the lion’s share of the credit, however. He has gathered around him a great team, not only on stage but in backstage departments such as set, light and effects, and he has brought out the very best in every individual aspect to make the overall production a masterful one. The cast was as follows: Dee O’ Connor (Blanche), Joan Fitzpatrick (Stella), Shane Cleary (Stanley), Cormac Sheridan (Mitch), Eily Kilgannon (Eunice), Brian Bohan (Steve), Padraig Foran (Pablo), Maura Doherty (Negro Woman), Robert Folan (Doctor), Irene Conlon (Nurse), Lionel Gallagher (Young Man), Maura Nangle (Mexican Woman). Extras: Carol Kelly, Seán Gallagher, Corina Gilbride, Frank Brannigan, Mary Harrison, Seán Foley, Margaret Mc Nulty, Liam Rooney, Seán Scanlon.

Stage assistants: Betty Keogh, Frank Brannigan, M. Mc Donagh, Imelda Mulligan, Margaret Mc Nulty. Settings: Seán Gallagher, Aidan Sexton, Joe Burns, Liam Costello, Walter Mc Donagh. Design and Programme: Liam Mc Kinney. Sound Effects: Seán Tighe. Special Effects: Seán Breslin. Tape: Liam Canning. Lighting: Aidan Sexton, Ray Caulfield. Assistant Stage Managers: Carol Kelly and Una Lappin. Stage Manager: Marion Reidy.

from The Sligo Champion, February 27th 1970