Theatre fans are in for a treat this week as the Letterkenny Music and Drama Group presents a double bill of new One Act plays by local playwright Brian Walsh on Saturday 11th of March in Glenswilly GAA club and the following Wednesday 15th of March in An Grianan Theatre, both at 8pm.
The two short plays, entitled “Role of a Lifetime” and “The Matchless Orinda”, will be performed for the very first time on these stages with a cast of familiar faces in the roles, which promises two great nights of entertainment for local audiences.
Having written a few sketches for Letterkenny Memories in 2015, Letterkenny man Brian wrote his first One Act play, “Is There Anybody There?” which has been produced in West Sussex, Belfast and Dublin. In 2019, “The Wife, the Cat and All the Other Stuff”, was performed in England and then in 2022, as part of the Bealtaine Festival, it was performed in the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny, with well-known comedian/actor, Conal Gallen playing the lead part of the Husband. In 2021, “Role of a Lifetime”, came second in the DLI/ADCI Playwriting Competition while in 2022, “The Matchless Orinda”, was the overall winner in the competition. Both he and Letterkenny Music and Drama Group are delighted to be putting on these two plays in Glenswilly and Letterkenny.
The cast is made up of a number of LMDG stalwarts including Elaine Gillespie, Orla Carlin, Bill Vaughan, Michael Leddy and Andy McGranaghan.
Set in a London Park, “The Matchless Orinda” sees the character of Jack Boyle (Bill Vaughan), wanting to have a ‘wee rest’ in the park. But he didn’t expect to find Katherine (Orla Carlin) there and she, sure as hell, didn’t expect to find him there! She thinks he’s trying to poison her when all he is doing is offering her a prawn and avocado sandwich, even if it is ‘a day or two the far side of its best before date.’
The second One Act play, “Role of a Lifetime” is set in a Fortune Telling Booth at a Garden Fete. Frank (Andy McGranaghan) doesn’t have much time for clairvoyants so why is he waiting for one to arrive? Claire, the clairvoyant (Elaine Gillespie), doesn’t have much time for Frank but she does want to know why he’s come to her and why he’s messing about with her crystal ball. Something’s bothering him, but what? Also starring Michael Leddy as Charlie, “Role of a Lifetime” is a funny and heart-warming story that audiences will love.
Direction of both plays is in the very capable hands of Andy McGranaghan, who is relishing the opportunity to bring both of these One Act plays to performances for the very first time.
The plays will make their “World Premiere” in Glenswilly GAA club on Saturday 11th of March at 8pm and the following Wednesday the 15th of March in An Grianan Theatre, also at 8.00pm. Admission is €12. Glenswilly tickets will be available at the door and for tickets for An Grianan Theatre, contact the box office on 0749120777 or www.angrianan.com .
