Emerging from the ashes of Capers, a variety show that was initiated by Fr Sean Tynan and which entertained the communities of Ferbane and Belmont in the 1980’s. It began then, as it has remained ever since, by producing a full length play once a year, typically making a public appearance around Valentine’s Day. The first play, Many Young Men of Twenty, was produced in 1991 and since then productions have ranged from the farcical to the iconic, featuring many of the best of Irish playwrights. The latest offering in 2013 was the well known Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel. As with any year the group was particularly pleased to introduce new talent to the stage,this time in the forms of Geraldine Murphy, Carmel Quinn and Carol Breslin. So if you have ever experienced the itch to give it a whirl then feel free to contact any member of the group and we will only be too delighted to welcome you on board. Indeed anyone who feels that they can contribute in any way, front or backstage, would be sure of a big welcome.
The season gets underway in late September/early October when the group meets to plan for the year ahead. Ideas are tossed about and the final decision on which play is to be performed rests mainly on the experience of our director, Brendan Ryan, who has been synonymous with the group since its inception. Rumour has it though that this year a comedy will be the order of the day as people need a break from the depressive nature of our economic woes and the attendant ills. Rehearsals start in earnest in October and increase from 2 to 3 sessions per week after the Christmas break. Recently the group has spread its wings and has performed with success in Birr Arts and Theatre Centre and has also taken the show to Tuar Ard in Moate. As of now these venues have been booked for successive weekends in 2014 and the cast and crew appreciate the challenge in bringing our production to a wider audience from these purpose built theatres.
Chairperson of the group is Joe Lyons and he is supported by committee members such as Margaret Caulfield, Jerry Corcoran, Kathleen O Byrne, Paddy Egan, Denis Cunningham and others. Anyone wishing to join the group can contact any of the above or indeed any member of a cast that is drawn from Ferbane, Belmont, Cloghan and High Street and all places in between and beyond.