A new production by Ballybofey playwright Shaun Byrne is set to have its national stage premiere at the RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival this May.
‘Margaret’ by the Ballyshannon Drama Society tells the story of the notorious former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher
Written by Butt Drama Circle member, Shaun Byrne, the play stars Belleek’s Rachel O’Connor as Mrs Thatcher and Shaun Byrne as the ghost of husband Denis, directed by Monica Doherty.
Rachel is no stranger to Donegal theatre goers and, as Margaret Thatcher, she faces into her final years with past ghosts, regrets and victories coming back to occupy her thoughts.
The play, which has been staged in The Abbey Arts Centre and the Balor Theatre, will now feature in the finals of the 2024 RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival on Friday 10th May. The competition is held under the auspices of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland.
Margaret is also performing at An Grianan Theatre Letterkenny on April 26th and The Abbey Arts Centre Ballyshannon on May 6th.
Rachel O’Connor as Mrs Thatcher. Pic: John Falon.
The draw for the nights on which the RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival finalists will be presented took place last Sunday, April 14th.
Speaking at the draw Regina Bushell, Festival Director, said: “The RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival has celebrated a number of significant anniversaries in recent years and this year is particularly special as it marks the 20th year of RTÉ as title sponsor.” To mark the occasion, the festival will this year present a special one-off Bride Rosney Memorial Award, recognising a best newcomer from across all skill sets involved.
This is the third play from writer Shaun Byrne to reach the All-Ireland Drama Festival finals.
Tickets for the 2024 RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival go on sale online from 10 am on April 18th on the Dean Crowe website at http://www.deancrowetheatre.com/ and from midday at the theatre box office, phone (090) 6492129. Admission €22. Concessions (€20) are available.