Drama Circle’s Summer Season Opens

“I become rather blasé when some stranger to Sligo confesses he is astounded by the wealth of talent and enthusiasm there exists in the town for the theatre and drama; I point out that he needn’t be surprised, Did he suppose we were Barbarians west of the Shannon? Had he, after all, not heard of Yeats? Was he not aware of Sligo Drama Circle’s existence?” These remarks were made by Mr. Brendan O’ Brien, Director of the Amateur Drama Festival Movement in Athlone, when he officially opened Sligo Drama Circle’s Summer Season of plays in Sligo Town Hall last week.

He spoke of the consistently high standard of the Drama Circle’s performances in All-Ireland finals at Athlone, and he also paid tribute to Sligo Unknown players, the predecessors of the present Circle. Mr. O’ Brien spoke of the enthusiasm for drama in Sligo, and added that he felt certain the need for a comparatively equipped “little theatre” for the town was fully justified. He praised this ambitious venture and wished it every success, promising that whatever help he could offer would be forthcoming.

“I gather the project towards the building of a little theatre is gathering momentum and that public awareness and support are growing”, he added, pointing out that on that evening Mr. Lionel Gallagher had received a cheque for £100 as a donation to the fund. The Drama Circle hoped to attract further patrons by offering special annual season tickets. These were being offered at £10 for two persons at all shows of the Circle throughout the year.

from The Sligo Champion, July 5th, 1974