Top Mayo amateur drama group brings Pretend Sick to the stage
The Grove Hall is the place to be this March 28 to 30 inclusive as the Bonniconlon Amateur Drama Society presents Pretend Sick by Michael J. Ginnelly.
Pretend Sick centres on the rural west of Ireland home of Katie Logan, with the action taking place, over three acts, in her parlour in the 1990s.
Katie (Nikki Lawrence) is a woman on a mission; a widow who spends her days and nights scheming and plotting. As the title might suggest, she is 'pretending' to be a crippled old lady, plagued with pain and sorely suffering, in a bid to keep her daughter Mary (Margaret Devine) and son Sean (Padraic Hayes) by her side.
Mary’s life is hanging in the balance – and at the hands of the deceitful Katie – but does she realise just how far her mother will go to thwart her chance of happiness?
Sean, the son of the house, is something of a reluctant farmer who spends most of the farm’s takings on his social life. Squandering away the family farm, he is aided and abetted by his buddies, Mick (Colin Highfield) and Joe (Fergal Kilcullen), and the trio certainly like a good time!
It is newly-wed neighbour Tracey (Evie Murphy), Mary’s friend, that becomes something of a catalyst for change in the Logan household. Tracey, newly-hitched to Jack (Peter Boyd), is full of the joys of marital bliss, prompting Mary to question her own path and her commitment to steady boyfriend Martin (Jerome Tuohy).
Will Matt (Tom Doherty), the new kid on the block, turn Mary’s head? Is it time for her to leave home? Or will cunning Katie have her wicked way and keep her tied to the apron strings forever?
There’s only one way to find out – and that’s by making your way to The Grove as Bonniconlon is transformed and turns back the clock to the 1990s for its annual drama weekend.
Director Barbara Ginley said: “This play really features a fantastic plot full of secrets and lies, love and even a few lost letters which combine to tell the story of the feisty Katie and her children Mary and Sean. The widow Logan is certainly a fascinating character who twists reality to suit herself! She really brings the wicked and the wonderful to this play.
“Add in some truly unique friends and neighbours, and the stage really is set for the story of a family struggling in the aftermath of loss and working their way through the journey of an unknown future.”
Barbara continued: “I cannot say enough about how fantastic the cast are. Each one of them is so dedicated and really take to their roles so well.”
The director also paid tribute to her assistant director, Jo Greavy, and chairperson of the society, John Devlin, before outlining what a real community effort the annual play is.
As always, the local ICA will provide refreshments nightly and this year, master of ceremonies Joe Neary will be on hand to welcome the audience.
“We are supported every step of the way by our extensive back stage crew,” said Barbara. “A special word of thanks also to the members of the Community Employment Scheme, led by Pascal Tuohy, who have worked tirelessly to put together a superb, brand-new set. Working alongside stage manager Raymond Devine, the set really brings the Logan family home to life.
“We can’t wait to welcome our audiences back to The Grove once again for what I can promise you will be a brilliant show that will have you laughing – and maybe crying – in the aisles.”
The play comes after last year’s hugely successful Strictly for the Birds, which saw three sell-out shows. An evening of great entertainment is once again guaranteed this spring. Embrace the turn in the seasons with a laugh at Bonniconlon!
Doors at The Grove, Bonniconlon, open at 7 p.m. nightly, with curtain up at 8 p.m. Tickets are priced at €12 and are available on the door nightly, and there will be a raffle each night too.