Mayo playwright brings new comedy show to her native town

Castlebar woman Fiona Hoban, an inspiration to future generations of writers, will launch her new comedy, 'Count to Ten', at the Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, on Thursday night, September 12, at 8 p.m.

This is Fiona’s third play and in assembling a well-rounded cast, Count to Ten recently enjoyed sell-out performances in Westport Townhall Theatre.

Fiona, who grew up at The Curragh in the town, is a skilled storyteller who crafts plays designed to evoke laughter and amusement in audiences. Her plays’ ingredients are humour and wit with a dash of satire.

“We’ve a fantastic cast and we’re all really excited about performing at the Linenhall Arts Centre in September. This is the first time I’ve taken a role in one of my plays, and I’m thrilled to be making my acting debut in Castlebar - the town I grew up in,” commented Fiona.

In the play, “Madame Director” is having a tough time trying to recruit a suitable cast for an upcoming play. To say that some wholly unsuitable people turn up to audition is an understatement! Despite this shaky start a determined director puts her cast of misfits through their paces in this hilarious comedy.

“To be honest, this play is really about art imitating life imitating art!” Fiona mused.

“During rehearsals of my last play, I had my cast try out a particular warm-up exercise which they hated doing. I remember thinking – I could write a play about this. So, I did and Count to Ten was born!”

Born in London to Irish parents Fiona finished primary school in Castlebar and went on to do her Leaving Cert in St. Joseph’s Secondary School Castlebar. After graduating from Trinity College Dublin she travelled and worked overseas for a number of years before eventually settling in Kilmeena, Westport.

She founded The Unmasked Players during Covid and wrote her first play On the Road to De-Mask-Us which sold out to audiences in Westport.

This not-to-be-missed show promises to be an absolute cracker, written by and starring Castlebar native Fiona Hoban.

Tickets for Count To Ten are on sale now at www.thelinenhall.com or telephone (094) 90 23733.