Return of “The Plough and the Stars”

Sligo Drama Circle return to the Hawk’s Well next week with “The Plough and the Stars” . Under the experienced hand of director Frank Brannigan and this ever-popular O’ Casey classic, runs from Wednesday 26th February to Saturday 7th March, excluding Sunday. Frank Brannigan’s name is synonymous with the Profile Theatre Company with whom he last directed “The Plough” (’89). This will be his fourth involvement with “The Plough” – the first time was in fact with the Drama Circle. Four of Frank’s ’89 cast reappear in this new production and all but one in new roles.

When the versatile Cliodna Howley of drama, musical and cabaret fame, steps on stage as Bessie Burgess she will have the unique distinction of re-enacting the same role she carried off so admirably in ’89. The other three retained are Meg Leahy, Joe Meehan and Michael Leyden. Meg can be expected to bring the same high standards tp her new role as prostitute Rosie Redmond as she did with Nora. She is most experienced, having played with Everyman Theatre, St Columba’s Theatre Company and of course Profile. Michael Leyden, a very entertaining Uncle Peter in ’89, now assumes the leading role as Jack, with Joe Meehan as Peter Flynn. Joe needs no introduction to Sligo theatregoers; on stage, off stage, his commitment continues unabated. Michael Leyden too has been busy, he was last seen as a very convincing Shiels in Bill Hickey’s very successful production of O’ Casey’s “Gunman” in 1990. While not in the ’89 gang of four, Cormac Sheridan merits special attention. This is Cormac’s third “Plough”, and he reverts to his first role as Fluther. His list of appearances in musicals and plays is as impressive as his stage stature – remember “Tomfoolery”, “Guys and Dolls”, “Plaza Suite”, “The Streetcar”, “The Crucible” etc. etc.

The complete cast list of “The Plough” stars much more talent. Yvonne Curran, past Secretary and Chairman of the Circle and Noreen Egan, present Chairman, bring their vast experience to the roles of Nora and Mrs. Gogan respectively. Both these fine actresses have also directed for the Drama Circle, most recently Noreen’s radio play production for North West Radio – “A Little Drop of Beethoven”; Yvonne, now in the leading female role, had the distinction of playing Mary in O’ Casey’s “Juno” when that Circle production was invited to play in St. Louis in March 1989, with Walter Mc Donagh as Director.

The remaining parts, blending exuberance with tested maturity, are also impressive: Dave Mc Keown (Barman) – has had leading roles with Sligo Fun Company, Drama Circle and Acorn Theatre Co.; Fergal Mc Girl – comes to Drama Circle from Butt Players, Ballybofey; Eamonn Byrd (Corp. Stoddard) – Fun Company and Sligo Musical Society; Brian Mc Gauran (Sgt. Tinley) was in “Philadelphia” with the Drama Circle and also with Sligo Fun Company productions; Bob Mc Donough (Figure) of Panto, Musicals and Cabaret fame, is new to Drama Circle. Also included are Kenny Donagher (Capt. Brennan), Maura Boyle (Rathmines Woman), John Rouse (Langon) and Siobhán O’ Doherty (Mollser). Siobhán, on stage in her first adult Drama Circle appearance, trained with the Fitzpatrick School of Speech and Drama, and completes the only father/daughter twosome – her father Phelim, with fellow teachers Kenny Donagher and Maribeth Milne, take responsibility for set design and construction. “The Plough and the Stars” – nightly at 8pm, Hawk’s Well Theatre, from Wednesday 26th February to Saturday March 7th (excluding Sunday).

from The Sligo Champion, February 21st, 1992