“2014 will be seen as one of the most successful years to date for Athea Drama Group. Our main production which was staged in February was the comedy ‘Stop it Nurse’ by Sam Cree which was set in a surgical ward in Belfast. The play had a large cast and we welcomed new members who graced the stage for the first time. The play attracted large crowds and received lots of positive reviews. Proceeds of our final night were donated to Chernobyl Ireland.” That’s the opening salvo of a message from group PRO Damien Ahern ahead of a fresh run of a new production in early February.
“As part of the Athea Parish Festival in August, it was decided to stage two one act plays. Backwater by John B. Keane which was directed by Donal Woulfe and The Mountain is Gone by P.J Coen directed by Annette O Donnell. The plays were very well received and contributed greatly towards the festival. Proceeds of the plays were donated to the Athea Parish Festival Committee.
Our AGM took place in early September and the following officers were appointed. Lal Browne – Chairperson, Anne Marie Horgan and Catherine O Connor – Joint Secretary, Amina Parkes – Treasurer and Damien Ahern – PRO. Following the AGM it was decided to stage the play It’s The Real Mc Coy by Tommy Marren. Set in rural Ireland in 1964, the play focuses on the life of 68 year-old Madge Mulloy who has spent more than 40 years struggling to survive on a small farm with her only daughter Maura. Sadly, Madge has had to live with the fact that her husband Tom simply vanished within five months of marrying her, without trace. With glimpses of John B. Keane and the characterisations of the Fr. Ted and Mrs Doyle genre, it will have the audiences in tears of laughter. The cast of seven features both seasoned and new comers to the stage. Rehearsals are in full swing and the play is set to be staged on February 5th, 7th, 8th, 12th, 14th &15th at the Con Colbert Hall, Athea.
We continue to invest funds in upgrading our facilities at our marvellous facility at the Memorial Hall. To date we have provided the stage, lighting, curtains and part sponsored some chairs for the Memorial Hall. However, storage of props and wardrobe was always an issue. This year it was decided to invest in storage and we now have a fantastic storage area upstairs off the balcony in the Sports Hall. Special thanks to John Scanlon of the Hall Committee and the Fas Workers who constructed this fantastic facility.
Thanks to everyone who supported our plays during to year, yo local press for advertising our plays, to those who provided props and those who generously donated spot prizes. Big thanks also to our fantastic front of house and backstage crew who together ensure the smooth running of our productions. We are also proud to state that over €10,000 has been donated to local charities in the last five years with the support of the local community. A fantastic achievement no doubt,” said Damien.
