Where’s Charlie? – Brendan Tansey Sits In On A Rehearsal

Shsss ….! Philip Price’s dislike of the mumbling in the young chorus rang loud and clear. These producers really do look stern and dictatorial – just like in the movies – as they sit in their chairs in the centre of the floor clad in denims and with their shirt sleeves rolled up. Now it wasn’t Hollywood but with Walter Mc Donagh looking like a scholar deciphering an ancient text, as he gave a last minute scanning to his script, and Lionel Gallagher, stuck in the silence of a corner learning of his lines, it certainly didn’t lack in atmosphere. Was that the staid serious-looking Mr. Mc Dermottroe that had greeted me on the way in? There he was dressed up in a black Victorian woman’s dress, hopping this way and that way, and making such exaggerated faces and sounds. But seriously, he’s the main actor in “Where’s Charlie?” And he looked very impressive. But then, although he has not taken part in local drama in three years, he has a good deal of experience to draw upon. He worked for many years with an experimental drama group in Holland and he promises to be superb in this show.

Then there’s Ronan Mc Dermott, who, although he regularly forgot his lines in rehearsal, exuded such an air of confidence and ease, that the problem seemed a colourful part of his style. He is an impressive young actor that knows local drama productions in and out by now. I can still remember his regular performances in Summerhill College. Polanski might well have regretted his choice of cast for “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” had he stuck his head in the door during the rehearsals! Yvonne Curran (a fine young actor) and Ann Mc Dermottroe were smashing in their 18th century dresses. The acting wasn’t bad either and save some imperfections in the singing, they’re set to be all right on the night. One trim looking young lady was keeping a keen eye on the dance movements. Kim Newport didn’t budge all night from her chair as she observed the rhythm of things. And the rhythm was good it seems, as she rose at the end of it all with a smile on her face and now a word of complaint.

Robert Burnside was moving about the place with an even bigger smile on his face! There he was with his top hat, can and whatever else you need to be a perfect 18th century gentleman. And he was very good in his role – totally in control and very funny. All in all the rehearsal for “Where’s Charlie?” will take over eight weeks – and that’s considered a tight schedule. I must admit I never realised it was so demanding. Oh there’s plenty of crack all right and it’s a great way for spending your time, but producing such a musical involves downright hard work and dedication. Quite frankly, I think I’ll stick to just writing about these amateur productions. In my job you make the lines, not forget them!

from The Sligo Journal, August 20th, 1982