Drama Circle Bring Sunshine To The Hawk’s Well

On November 21st 1956 the Sligo Drama Circle made its debut on the Sligo stage with its first production “Thy Dear Father” by Gerard Healy. By a curious quirk of fate, the latest production from the Drama Circle, “The Sunshine Boys”, opens exactly 50 years later to the day on November 21st 2006. Since the opening performance in November 1956, the Drama Circle have clocked up more than two hundred performances on the Sligo stage, and their latest offering will prove to be just as entertaining as many of their shows over the years have been.

Directed by Drama Circle long-time member Joan Fitzpatrick, “The Sunshine Boys” by Neil Simon is recognised as one of the great comedy plays of modern times. It was first produced in 1972 and was later made into a successful movie, revitalising the screen career of George Burns. The story follows the attempt by a young theatrical agent to re-unite his elderly uncle, a former vaudevillian great, with his long term stage partner for a one-off TV appearance. Their comic genius is widely acknowledged, their reputation legendary. There’s only one problem – the pair have fallen out and have not spoken in twelve years. Before they return to the public eye, they have issues to resolve, and not just which props to use in the comedy sketch on television. Things gradually become more heated until a series of confrontations threatens to end in tragedy. The play promises to be a huge hit with audiences who are guaranteed a great night’s entertainment. The play also re-unites two actors who last played together to great critical acclaim in Neil Simon’s other great comedy “The Odd Couple” in 2001, Robert Fitzpatrick and Gerry Ryan. Damien Quinn, Ursula Smullen, Orla Mc Sharry, Ultan Burke, Róisín Kilcoyne and Michael Leyden make up the supporting cast who all have a wealth of experience playing in previous Drama Circle Productions.

A great night of comedy is guaranteed. The play runs in the Hawk’s Well Theatre from Tuesday 21st to Saturday 25th November, 2006 at 8:00pm nightly. Tickets can be booked now at the theatre box office on (071) 916 1526. More information on www.sligodramacircle.ie