All Set For “Present Laughter” in Hawk’s Well

Sligo Drama Circle returns to the stage of the Hawk’s Well Theatre this November with its production of the classic Noel Coward comedy “PRESENT LAUGHTER”.

The action of the play takes place in the London studio of leading stage actor Garry Essendine, a puffed-up charmer with a knack for histrionics, wooing women and extreme displays of vanity, prior to his departure on a tour of Africa. Amid a series of events bordering on farce, Garry has to deal with women who want to seduce him, placate both his long-suffering secretary and his estranged wife, cope with a crazed young playwright, and overcome his impending mid-life crisis!

With his birthday rapidly approaching, Essendine is poised to set off on a tour of Africa and his entire team—including an indifferent staff of servants, a wry personal secretary, a set of entangled business associates and a bemused ex-wife—is in hurried preparation for both. The actor’s expertly assembled life is upended when a predatory fan, an obsessed playwright and a young woman with more than Essendine’s resumé on her mind are simultaneously thrown into the mix, all vying for the self-obsessed actor’s attention. As things spin wildly out of control, Essendine must scramble to keep his house of cards standing—and decide whether there’s room in his life to love anyone but himself.

Director Ursula Smullen has assembled an experienced cast for “Present Laughter” to follow up on the Drama Circle’s 2016 hit “Big Maggie”. Robert Fitzpatrick plays the part of leading actor Garry Essendine; Niamh Leahy plays Daphne Stillington, a young admirer of Garry; Sarah Ellis plays Garry’s wife Liz; Shona Heffernan plays the part of Garry’s secretary Monica; Muireann Tóibín plays Garry’s housekeeper Miss Erikson; Gerry Ryan plays Garry’s valet Fred; Roland Maule, an aspiring young playwright is played by Roy Mitchell; Garry’s Manager, Morris Dixon is played by Paul Cadden; Garry’s Producer Henry Lypiatt is played by Barry Deignan; Henry’s wife Joanna is played by Orla Mc Sharry; Lady Saltburn is played by Margaret Curley.

“Present Laughter” promises to be an unmissable night’s drama – a light, fun-filled evening at the theatre, a sharply written, stylish and very funny play – classic Noel Coward. Guaranteed good fun!

“Present Laughter” runs at the Hawk’s Well Theatre from Wednesday November 15th to Saturday November 18th nightly at 8pm. Tickets are available from the Hawk’s Well Theatre Box Office on (071) 916 1518 priced at €15 (€12 concessions & OAP’s). All tickets can also be booked online at www.hawkswell.com