St Canice's Drama Group to stage first play in Dungiven

A recently formed drama group in Dungiven is set to stage its first play in the town next month.

St Canice's Drama Group's production, titled 'Mother of the Bride', is set to run on four different nights in An Cumann (St Canice's GAC).

The play was originally written 25 years ago by local writer, producer and director Paula McCaul who is looking forward to bringing it back to the stage once again.

Although the play is set in the same era it was written, Paula has adapted the production by adding a few modern twists.

When it was first staged more than two decades ago in venues in Dungiven and Belfast, the play was very well received and Paula hopes it will be a similar story this time around.

“It was the very first play that I wrote and it was performed by the old Dungiven drama group then. Sadly there are are a few deceased characters since then,” Paula said.

ABOVE: Writer, producer and director Paula McCaul.

“The play is set 25 years ago and we have decided to keep it at that but we have revamped it a bit to give it more of a modern twist.

“It was well received then so I hope it'll be the same this time around. I'm looking forward to hearing the first laugh.”

The play's cast are all local and have been putting in long hours in rehearsals since September.

Donna Martin portrays the character of mother of the bride (Mary), alongside her long suffering husband, Jimmy played by Raymond Brady. The poor bride, Katie, acted out by Sharon Brady, and groom Billy (St Canice’s very own Brian Mullan) are the loveable couple trying hard to abide by mother’s arrangements, but not succeeding. No wedding party can be complete without a bridesmaid Heather and best man Jonathan (Shauna Kelly and Connor McLaughlin) who provide a bit of deviousness to the plot. To add to the mixture, nosey neighbour Gertie (acted by Martina Bradley) and the groom’s mother, Valerie (Ita Conway) are sure to keep the audience laughing with their antics.

Finally no show can be performed without Phonsie (Seamus O’Hara) who still hasn’t his speech impediment sorted. He performs alongside Calum Quigg (Sean), the paramedic who is struggling to cope with Phonsie’s inadequacies.

The cast will be supported by Noel Martin (lighting technician) and Mary Cooke (stage manager).

The play will run on Friday, March 1, Saturday, March 2, Friday, March 8 and Saturday, March 9 at 8pm each evening.

Both Saturday nights are sold out already with tickets to the Friday shows starting to go fast.

On each night, doors open at 7pm for pre-drinks (drinks will also be served during the intermission). Raffle tickets will also be on sale with lots of fantastic prizes up for grabs. All proceeds from the raffle will go to local charities.

Kieran McKeever from St Canice's GAC praised the club's drama group on their upcoming production.

“The executive are very proud of the members of our drama group and in particular Paula for her excellent writing, directing and the production of such a great play,” he said.

“Our drama group is testament to the diversity and inclusion of the GAA and in particular at St Canice's.

“The four night show is already a sellout with only a handful of tickets available and we wish the cast all the best and hope everyone has a great experience.”

Tickets priced at £10 each can be purchased by contacting Paula on 07714991639 or Brian on 07916330120.