Midland Tribune October 2005
Birr Stage Guild presents the popular Hugh Leonard play
“DA” in Birr Theatre and Arts Centre for four nights from 20th to 23rd October.
The play focuses on Charlie’s return to his Dublin home to attend his father’s
funeral. As he is sorting out papers after the ceremony he is suddenly
confronted by Da’s very solid ghost, his late father tenaciously inhabiting both
the room and Charlie’s mind. The play moves between past and present, between
reality and imagination as passages in Charlie’s life are enacted. He encounters
among the figures his own self as a young man – and loses some years in his own
person – as traumatic moments are recalled.
It is twenty five years since the Guild last staged “DA”. One of the cast
members from the original performance, Michael Donegan will be re-creating the
role of “DA” in this production. Michael has been involved in a variety of roles
with the Stage Guild since playing Christy Mahon in The Playboy of the Western
World in 1975. Since then, he has appeared in several plays, musicals,
pantomimes and pageants. The cast also includes other familiar faces from Stage
Guild productions over the years. Among them is Adrian Shine who has been
involved in many of the Guild’s dramatic productions since the early 1990’s and
has also produced three of their plays. Adrian appears as Charlie Now in “DA”.
Young Charlie is played by Mike Geraghty who is making his second appearance
with the Stage Guild. The versatile Tommy Lyndon has had a long association with
both drama and musical productions on the Birr stage. He plays the role of Drum
in the latest production. The role of Mother is played by Barbara Hanamy who has
been a member of Birr Stage Guild for many years performing in Juno and the
Paycock and Deeply Regretted By among others. Mrs. Prynne is played by Mary
Dolan who has played a variety of roles in Stage Guild productions over the
years. Lisa Coulter is making her third appearance in a Stage Guild play in the
role of Mary Tate. Appearing with the Guild for the second time is Thomas
Geraghty in the role of Oliver.
The Director John Boland is no stranger to Birr audiences. Since 1990, he has
appeared in a number of productions. He has directed The Playboy of the Western
World, Happy Birthday Dear Alice and Our Town for Birr Stage Guild. He has also
been involved with Acorn Productions and Relays Productions in Ballinasloe and
The Seven Ages Company in Galway. He has also directed with Moore and Clonfad
D.S. for many years.
“DA” will be staged nightly from 20th to 23rd October at 8 p.m. Booking may now
be made at the Theatre, 0509 22911.
Birr Stage Guild would also like to advise patrons of their forthcoming
Christmas production Music of the Night – The Magic of Christmas for two nights
only on Friday and Saturday 16th and 17th December. This is an opportunity for
clubs and organisations planning their Christmas outings to begin the season of
goodwill with a night of joy and festive charm. Booking also at the Theatre.