Show Reviews at the Presentation Centre
Enniscorthy Rock Heroes Launch Debut Single | Jackie Hayden 30/08/2019
Photo by Kenny Rutledge Photography
All the rocky roads led to the Presentation Centre in Enniscorthy last week for the launch by four-piece local rockers Ten Ounce Mouse of their debut single ‘Echoes’.
The single itself is also very much a local affair, having been recorded at the Orchard Recording Studio and mixed by Brendan Carthy.
‘Echoes’ is a fine slice of intelligent pop-rock, with engaging vocals from Luc Power, and some big, anthemic drumming from Michael O'Connor. They’re both ably assisted by guitarist Brandon Murphy and Jags Denby Atkinson on bass. As if to prove that ‘Echoes’ is no fluke, they’ve coupled it on the CD with a classy live version of another original called ‘Atom League’. In all, you get eight minutes of non-stop quality rock.
The noted publisher, and long-time IMRO board member Johnny Lappin was at the gig and as a big admirer of the band he hopes to sign a publishing deal with them shortly. As he explained, “The guys approached me and they agreed to do a showcase gig in Holohan’s live music venue in Enniscorthy. I was very impressed with their drive and enthusiasm, and I believe some of the songs showed great promise.”
The launch of ‘Echoes’ was preceded on the night by live performances by The Elephant Room and Foot Squeaker. Ten Ounce Mouse have an impressive live repertoire of around 17 songs, the vast majority of which are originals. Drawing their influence from acts such as The Smiths, The pixies, Motown Records and Joy Division, they also include revitalized versions of Sultans of Ping’s ‘Where's Me Jumper’ and U2’s ‘I Will Follow’.
In the coming months, the band will be touring extensively around the South East, including Golden Discs outlet (Oct 4th), The Spiegeltent (Oct 9th), 31 The Athenaeum (Oct 31st) and Rogue Gallery (Nov 15th).
The single itself is also very much a local affair, having been recorded at the Orchard Recording Studio and mixed by Brendan Carthy.
‘Echoes’ is a fine slice of intelligent pop-rock, with engaging vocals from Luc Power, and some big, anthemic drumming from Michael O'Connor. They’re both ably assisted by guitarist Brandon Murphy and Jags Denby Atkinson on bass. As if to prove that ‘Echoes’ is no fluke, they’ve coupled it on the CD with a classy live version of another original called ‘Atom League’. In all, you get eight minutes of non-stop quality rock.
The noted publisher, and long-time IMRO board member Johnny Lappin was at the gig and as a big admirer of the band he hopes to sign a publishing deal with them shortly. As he explained, “The guys approached me and they agreed to do a showcase gig in Holohan’s live music venue in Enniscorthy. I was very impressed with their drive and enthusiasm, and I believe some of the songs showed great promise.”
The launch of ‘Echoes’ was preceded on the night by live performances by The Elephant Room and Foot Squeaker. Ten Ounce Mouse have an impressive live repertoire of around 17 songs, the vast majority of which are originals. Drawing their influence from acts such as The Smiths, The pixies, Motown Records and Joy Division, they also include revitalized versions of Sultans of Ping’s ‘Where's Me Jumper’ and U2’s ‘I Will Follow’.
In the coming months, the band will be touring extensively around the South East, including Golden Discs outlet (Oct 4th), The Spiegeltent (Oct 9th), 31 The Athenaeum (Oct 31st) and Rogue Gallery (Nov 15th).
The magic & mystic of the burren | maria nolan | 25/11/2018
Last evening I attended the showing of an aesthetically beautiful documentary by Katrina Costello titled The Silver Branch at the Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy.
The Silver Branch tells the story of the beauty, mystic and magic of The Burren and explores our connection to the land, our sense of place and the complete peace that comes from being at one with nature.
Narrator and story teller par excellence Paddy McCormack says that there are places where 'the veil between this generation and the one that went before is very thin and the Burren is one of those places'. He recalls all he learned from his father and his fathers generation about farming, nature, the land and being free. 'as a farmer you are part of the symphony of life' Paddy says 'honouring the past and the people who sweated the land before you'. 'They were true to themselves and true to the land '.
This is one of the most spiritual and mystical documentaries I have seen the cinematography by Katrina is superb, the marvellous shots of birds, bees, flora, insects and other animals and the sound of bird song and the wind whistling through trees makes you feel that you are actually on the Burren and part of its mythological past.
Paddy McCormack who left school at 14 to work the land has a lovely simple way with words and a West of Ireland musical way of expressing himself that draws the viewer in 'everyone' Paddy says 'needs a favourite place to visit to be at peace, somewhere to let the brillance of nature work itself around you'. When speaking of a neighbouring farmer who passed away during the making of the documentary he says 'I have no doubt that the fields, the mountain and the wild grasses did miss him'.
The music throughout the film is native and haunting, the story is compelling and there is a beauty, a wildness and a peacefulness in the layers of history it exposes so it's not surprising that it is winning awards all over the place.
So glad I saw it and thanks to Sue Kavanagh who was instrumental in bringing it to the Presentation Centre.
The Silver Branch tells the story of the beauty, mystic and magic of The Burren and explores our connection to the land, our sense of place and the complete peace that comes from being at one with nature.
Narrator and story teller par excellence Paddy McCormack says that there are places where 'the veil between this generation and the one that went before is very thin and the Burren is one of those places'. He recalls all he learned from his father and his fathers generation about farming, nature, the land and being free. 'as a farmer you are part of the symphony of life' Paddy says 'honouring the past and the people who sweated the land before you'. 'They were true to themselves and true to the land '.
This is one of the most spiritual and mystical documentaries I have seen the cinematography by Katrina is superb, the marvellous shots of birds, bees, flora, insects and other animals and the sound of bird song and the wind whistling through trees makes you feel that you are actually on the Burren and part of its mythological past.
Paddy McCormack who left school at 14 to work the land has a lovely simple way with words and a West of Ireland musical way of expressing himself that draws the viewer in 'everyone' Paddy says 'needs a favourite place to visit to be at peace, somewhere to let the brillance of nature work itself around you'. When speaking of a neighbouring farmer who passed away during the making of the documentary he says 'I have no doubt that the fields, the mountain and the wild grasses did miss him'.
The music throughout the film is native and haunting, the story is compelling and there is a beauty, a wildness and a peacefulness in the layers of history it exposes so it's not surprising that it is winning awards all over the place.
So glad I saw it and thanks to Sue Kavanagh who was instrumental in bringing it to the Presentation Centre.
Eurovision to the presentation! | Enniscorthy guardian 25/09/2018
EUROVISION performer and singer/songwriter extraordinaire Ryan O’Shaughnessy got his new Civil War tour off to a fantastic start with an intimate show in the beautiful surroundings of the Presentation Centre recently.
While the former Fair City actor will be used to some huge stages having performed at the Eurovision and on the likes of Britain’s Got Talent, he expressed his fondness for the stage at The Presentation Centre as he stepped up to the mic in front of the beautiful stained glass windows.
The Dubliner has just released a brand new single - Civil War - which garnered some wonderful feedback on the night, and this was the first show which has dates right across the country. He was joined on the night by Jake Henley, with whom he executed some pitch-perfect harmonies, and Jared Dylan. Afterwards the main man was more than happy to pose for photos and sign CDs for happy punters in the foyer.
While the former Fair City actor will be used to some huge stages having performed at the Eurovision and on the likes of Britain’s Got Talent, he expressed his fondness for the stage at The Presentation Centre as he stepped up to the mic in front of the beautiful stained glass windows.
The Dubliner has just released a brand new single - Civil War - which garnered some wonderful feedback on the night, and this was the first show which has dates right across the country. He was joined on the night by Jake Henley, with whom he executed some pitch-perfect harmonies, and Jared Dylan. Afterwards the main man was more than happy to pose for photos and sign CDs for happy punters in the foyer.
Buddy holly Re-run Surpasses Expectation | Maria Nolan 16/08/2018
After seeing the inaugural Production I wasn’t expecting to be blown away by the repeat performance of Buddy at the Presentation Arts Centre, however I was very pleasantly surprised and once again I was completely captivated and up bobbin with the best of them.
This excellent eclectic mix of music, song, drama and comedy had the entire auditorium rockin in the aisles and rollin in their seats.
A brilliant overall Production – the vocals, the instruments, the set, the dance routines, the casting and the acting were of a professional standard transporting the hypnotic audience right back to the day when Buddy Holly and the Crickets were the new kids on the block and all set to rock the world.
This isn’t just a show this is an experience – almost a time travel – as the Presentation audience metamorphosed into the Apollo audience of 1957 and rocked it out to That`ll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Heartbeat, Rave On, Oh Boy and others.
The calibre of the vocalists was second to none with an even better performance from the main man Cado – Donagh Cadogan who quiet simply is Buddy Holly, to the extent that when the announcement was made of his tragic death at the end of the show, there were gasps and sorrowful sighs in the audience. He is a mega performer, a superb singer who totally got and portrayed his character.
His side kicks the Crickets, Blayne Hosey, Alan Kinsella and Cameron Clarke gave sterling performances with the latter proving himself to be quite the comic as well as an most talented drummer.
All of the previous cast like a good wine have just improved with time – the Big Booper aka Dick Butler powerful and commanding on stage as always and Richie Valens aka Jacob English erotically strutting his stuff to the delight of ladies of all ages in the auditorium. Karen Franklin`s portrayal of Maria Elena Santiago was extremely apt, her Latin American accent and attitude perfectly pitched at all times.
In fact throughout the entire show the accents remained strong and true, the singing harmonious and vigorous the dancing energetic and impressive with all newcomers expertly filling the shoes of those who went before them making this a most entertaining and enjoyable experience for all present.
Compliments and congratulations once again to Producer Adrienne Murphy, Director Michael Stafford and all who were involved with this wonderful show and with all proceeds going to that most deserving cause Pieta House I think we can safely say that this one is a winner all round.
(originally posted on Maria's blog 'Out And About With Maria Nolan')
This excellent eclectic mix of music, song, drama and comedy had the entire auditorium rockin in the aisles and rollin in their seats.
A brilliant overall Production – the vocals, the instruments, the set, the dance routines, the casting and the acting were of a professional standard transporting the hypnotic audience right back to the day when Buddy Holly and the Crickets were the new kids on the block and all set to rock the world.
This isn’t just a show this is an experience – almost a time travel – as the Presentation audience metamorphosed into the Apollo audience of 1957 and rocked it out to That`ll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Heartbeat, Rave On, Oh Boy and others.
The calibre of the vocalists was second to none with an even better performance from the main man Cado – Donagh Cadogan who quiet simply is Buddy Holly, to the extent that when the announcement was made of his tragic death at the end of the show, there were gasps and sorrowful sighs in the audience. He is a mega performer, a superb singer who totally got and portrayed his character.
His side kicks the Crickets, Blayne Hosey, Alan Kinsella and Cameron Clarke gave sterling performances with the latter proving himself to be quite the comic as well as an most talented drummer.
All of the previous cast like a good wine have just improved with time – the Big Booper aka Dick Butler powerful and commanding on stage as always and Richie Valens aka Jacob English erotically strutting his stuff to the delight of ladies of all ages in the auditorium. Karen Franklin`s portrayal of Maria Elena Santiago was extremely apt, her Latin American accent and attitude perfectly pitched at all times.
In fact throughout the entire show the accents remained strong and true, the singing harmonious and vigorous the dancing energetic and impressive with all newcomers expertly filling the shoes of those who went before them making this a most entertaining and enjoyable experience for all present.
Compliments and congratulations once again to Producer Adrienne Murphy, Director Michael Stafford and all who were involved with this wonderful show and with all proceeds going to that most deserving cause Pieta House I think we can safely say that this one is a winner all round.
(originally posted on Maria's blog 'Out And About With Maria Nolan')
TWO SIDES OF IRISH FOLK AT PRES CENTRE | Jackie Hayden 27/06/2018
Lankum performing at The Presentation Centre. Photograph © Tanja Warkentin
The multifarious nature of the Irish folk tradition got a timely airing at the Presentation Centre in Enniscorthy when two bands, presented in association with Wexford Arts Centre, offered distinctly different approaches to the canon.
First up were the fiveman Green Road, who, armed with guitar, uilleann pipes, banjo, mandolin, keyboardist and percussion, delivered lusty and familiar versions of such folk treasures as ‘Paddy’s Green Shamrock Shore’, ‘Go Lassie Go’ and ‘Mursheen Durkin’, harmonies and all. They’re at the Wexford Arts Centre every Wednesday from July 4 until August 22.
Lankum, who take their name from a ballad sung by John Reilly Jr, and were once known as Lynched, are three men and a woman who specialise in deliciously rich harmonies and the studied use of drones through uilleann pipes, concertina, accordion and harmonium, as well as guitar and fiddle. They achieve a delicate balance of rawness and subtlety that treats the tradition as something that lives and breathes, changes and grows.
The voice of Radie Peat lead them into a sonorous version of ‘What Will We Do When We Have No Money’ with the other three voices joining her against a droning soundscape conjured from Ian Lynch’s uillean pipes to give the song a powerful, spiritual uplift. Daragh Lynch’s plangent guitar drew us into ‘Henry My Son’ which also benefitted from delicate harmonies and a terrific pipes solo that gave the song a gentler edge than we’re used to.
Cormac Mac Diarmada’s fiddle kicked off the light and jolly ‘The Townie Polka’ with Peat on harmonium and fine guitar picking from Daragh, and they treated such tunes as ‘Cold On Fire’, ‘Rose Connolly’ and ‘The Old Man From Over The Sea’ with an equal blend of verve and delicacy.
With remarkable ease, Lankum live achieve that wild mercury sound of the street that Bob Dylan hankered after. Attractively ragged at times, their sound is all-enveloping. Some pointless stage banter about Iron Maiden aside, this was a concert to remember. If you’ve only experienced Lankum via YouTube, be advised; they’re way better than that.
First up were the fiveman Green Road, who, armed with guitar, uilleann pipes, banjo, mandolin, keyboardist and percussion, delivered lusty and familiar versions of such folk treasures as ‘Paddy’s Green Shamrock Shore’, ‘Go Lassie Go’ and ‘Mursheen Durkin’, harmonies and all. They’re at the Wexford Arts Centre every Wednesday from July 4 until August 22.
Lankum, who take their name from a ballad sung by John Reilly Jr, and were once known as Lynched, are three men and a woman who specialise in deliciously rich harmonies and the studied use of drones through uilleann pipes, concertina, accordion and harmonium, as well as guitar and fiddle. They achieve a delicate balance of rawness and subtlety that treats the tradition as something that lives and breathes, changes and grows.
The voice of Radie Peat lead them into a sonorous version of ‘What Will We Do When We Have No Money’ with the other three voices joining her against a droning soundscape conjured from Ian Lynch’s uillean pipes to give the song a powerful, spiritual uplift. Daragh Lynch’s plangent guitar drew us into ‘Henry My Son’ which also benefitted from delicate harmonies and a terrific pipes solo that gave the song a gentler edge than we’re used to.
Cormac Mac Diarmada’s fiddle kicked off the light and jolly ‘The Townie Polka’ with Peat on harmonium and fine guitar picking from Daragh, and they treated such tunes as ‘Cold On Fire’, ‘Rose Connolly’ and ‘The Old Man From Over The Sea’ with an equal blend of verve and delicacy.
With remarkable ease, Lankum live achieve that wild mercury sound of the street that Bob Dylan hankered after. Attractively ragged at times, their sound is all-enveloping. Some pointless stage banter about Iron Maiden aside, this was a concert to remember. If you’ve only experienced Lankum via YouTube, be advised; they’re way better than that.
JMA BRING YOUNG AND DYLAN TO ENNISCORTHY | Jackie Hayden 14/05/18
Photo © Jimi Revets
The high ceiling in the concert room of the Presentation Centre in Enniscorthy can make it a hard venue for some acts to fill, but there were no such problems for JMA for their tribute night to Neil Young and Bob Dylan last week. With the tight harmonies of Anne and James Meyler, the incendiary guitar playing of Mick Egan (who added tasty harmonica and gutsy vocals too) as well as the thundering tight back two of drumsman Keith Devereux and fluid bassist Mick O’Brien they filled the hall, and then some.
After previous gigs by this impressive outfit I expressed the view that I thought they did Young better than Dylan, perhaps because Egan’s no-holds-barred approach to the guitar seems to suit the former’s songs better. But this was a more seamless set, with such a sense of cohesion to the sound throughout the performance that you could barely see the join between one classic songwriter and the other. It was almost as if they had decided to do Dylan as Neil Young would. I could ask them but they might not tell me, but whatever it was it worked from start to glorious finish.
In truth it would be hard to nominate stand-out songs, but from the Neil Young canon ‘Cinnamon Girl’, ‘Cortez the Killer’ and ‘Like A Hurricane’ were especially dynamic, and the great slabs of guitar washes that Egan tore from his guitar during ‘Powderfinger’ drew enthusiastic bursts of applause from an appreciative audience. From Dylan’s back pages they plucked ‘One More Cup of Coffee’ and ‘Oh Sister’, but the outfit proved they were willing to go even further beyond the obvious with a superb shot at ‘Senor (Tales of Yankee Power’). Egan and Anne Meyler harmonised splendidly on an emotional ‘Just Like A Woman’, while James Meyler took masterful control of ‘Forever Young’.
So with the Presentation Centre’s stained-glass window as a backdrop, JAM delivered a two-hour set of music that was made from pure crystal.
After previous gigs by this impressive outfit I expressed the view that I thought they did Young better than Dylan, perhaps because Egan’s no-holds-barred approach to the guitar seems to suit the former’s songs better. But this was a more seamless set, with such a sense of cohesion to the sound throughout the performance that you could barely see the join between one classic songwriter and the other. It was almost as if they had decided to do Dylan as Neil Young would. I could ask them but they might not tell me, but whatever it was it worked from start to glorious finish.
In truth it would be hard to nominate stand-out songs, but from the Neil Young canon ‘Cinnamon Girl’, ‘Cortez the Killer’ and ‘Like A Hurricane’ were especially dynamic, and the great slabs of guitar washes that Egan tore from his guitar during ‘Powderfinger’ drew enthusiastic bursts of applause from an appreciative audience. From Dylan’s back pages they plucked ‘One More Cup of Coffee’ and ‘Oh Sister’, but the outfit proved they were willing to go even further beyond the obvious with a superb shot at ‘Senor (Tales of Yankee Power’). Egan and Anne Meyler harmonised splendidly on an emotional ‘Just Like A Woman’, while James Meyler took masterful control of ‘Forever Young’.
So with the Presentation Centre’s stained-glass window as a backdrop, JAM delivered a two-hour set of music that was made from pure crystal.
An Evening With Blindboy | pádraig Byrne, Enniscorthy Guardian 24/04/18
The limerick man was fascinated by vinegar hill
HISTORICALLY and geographically speaking, Enniscorthy is often regarded as being the centre of County Wexford. All roads certainly led to the Cathedral Town last week as author, musician and cultural critic Blindboy Boatclub arrived at the Presentation Centre for the latest sold-out instalment of his live podcast.
While the proud Limerick native would be the first to admit that wearing a plastic bag on your head can have an impact over how seriously you are taken as an artist and commentator, those who are familiar with Blindboy’s work will be in no doubt that this is one very intelligent and talented man. Although he has previously admitted to suffering from a certain amount of social anxiety when it comes to live shows, he seemed completely at ease as he took to the Presentation Centre stage, sitting in front of a microphone and laptop and periodically taking drags from a vape pen.
He got the evening underway by reading two short stories from his book ‘ The Gospel According to Blindboy’, both of which were dark and involved a certain amount of grim torture. The first focused on a spurned lover using an ancient Persian method of torture on his wife’s new partner, while the other focused on two Cork boys and their plan to skin Rory Gallagher alive. When you separate yourself from the bizarre topics of the stories and focus on the words on the page, you’ll see the magic that Blindboy weaves. He has a wonderful penchant for the descriptive and using all four senses to put you in the room where the action is taking place. In the first story ‘Scaphism’ his description of walking lonely country roads on a dark winter’s evening is something which you could argue wouldn’t look out of place among the work of the country’s modern literary heavyweights. Not bad for a man with a plastic bag on his head.
Following his readings, Blindboy welcomed his guest Cathy Keane of Heritage Tours Wexford and they plunged head-first into the rich history of Enniscorthy and notably, Vinegar Hill. Cathy proved a great advocate of Wexford history and tourism and did a fine job in pointing out just how much history exists on our doorsteps. Blindboy learned the reverence with which Fr Murphy is held in these parts and took great interest in Cathy’s tales of him running cattle towards the crown forces before engaging them. ‘He f **king weaponised cattle!’ the Limerick man proclaimed, amazed.
Cathy also discussed some of the findings from the recent archaeological studies of Vinegar Hill, along with tidbits such as the use of exploding musket balls which claimed the limbs of so many women and children on the hill. Blindboy seemed genuinely fascinated by the history of Wexford and it’s bloody reputation of resisting imperial rule, but he was also enthralled by cultural aspects such as the Yola language and how certain phrases, such as ‘quare’, have been passed down to this very day.
With the live podcast set to be broadcast to people all over the country and, indeed the world, at some point over the coming weeks, there’s no doubt that Cathy helped to capture the living, breathing history that’s here in the county for all to see. A fascinating evening, the event proved a wonderful success for The Presentation Centre and no doubt they’ll be hoping to welcome the bonafide Limerick legend back again soon to delve even further into our plentiful tales of the past.
While the proud Limerick native would be the first to admit that wearing a plastic bag on your head can have an impact over how seriously you are taken as an artist and commentator, those who are familiar with Blindboy’s work will be in no doubt that this is one very intelligent and talented man. Although he has previously admitted to suffering from a certain amount of social anxiety when it comes to live shows, he seemed completely at ease as he took to the Presentation Centre stage, sitting in front of a microphone and laptop and periodically taking drags from a vape pen.
He got the evening underway by reading two short stories from his book ‘ The Gospel According to Blindboy’, both of which were dark and involved a certain amount of grim torture. The first focused on a spurned lover using an ancient Persian method of torture on his wife’s new partner, while the other focused on two Cork boys and their plan to skin Rory Gallagher alive. When you separate yourself from the bizarre topics of the stories and focus on the words on the page, you’ll see the magic that Blindboy weaves. He has a wonderful penchant for the descriptive and using all four senses to put you in the room where the action is taking place. In the first story ‘Scaphism’ his description of walking lonely country roads on a dark winter’s evening is something which you could argue wouldn’t look out of place among the work of the country’s modern literary heavyweights. Not bad for a man with a plastic bag on his head.
Following his readings, Blindboy welcomed his guest Cathy Keane of Heritage Tours Wexford and they plunged head-first into the rich history of Enniscorthy and notably, Vinegar Hill. Cathy proved a great advocate of Wexford history and tourism and did a fine job in pointing out just how much history exists on our doorsteps. Blindboy learned the reverence with which Fr Murphy is held in these parts and took great interest in Cathy’s tales of him running cattle towards the crown forces before engaging them. ‘He f **king weaponised cattle!’ the Limerick man proclaimed, amazed.
Cathy also discussed some of the findings from the recent archaeological studies of Vinegar Hill, along with tidbits such as the use of exploding musket balls which claimed the limbs of so many women and children on the hill. Blindboy seemed genuinely fascinated by the history of Wexford and it’s bloody reputation of resisting imperial rule, but he was also enthralled by cultural aspects such as the Yola language and how certain phrases, such as ‘quare’, have been passed down to this very day.
With the live podcast set to be broadcast to people all over the country and, indeed the world, at some point over the coming weeks, there’s no doubt that Cathy helped to capture the living, breathing history that’s here in the county for all to see. A fascinating evening, the event proved a wonderful success for The Presentation Centre and no doubt they’ll be hoping to welcome the bonafide Limerick legend back again soon to delve even further into our plentiful tales of the past.
Popcorn And Pure Magic At The Presentation Centre | Out and About with Maria Nolan at the Beauty Queen of Leenane 17/02/18
Photo © Maria Nolan
The Beauty Queen of Leenane currently on stage at the Presentation Art Centre is in my opinion Enniscorthy Drama`s best Production yet. And having witnessed all 14 Productions since the inception of the Group in 2013 I feel qualified to make the statement.
Critiquing the Martin McDonagh masterpiece I was under pains to find fault with the brilliantly directed, superbly acted and expertly stage managed performance. Director and Set Designer Tom Reddy had indeed excelled himself with this one.
The sombre tale is a common one of an Ireland of a time when ageing mothers and fathers lived in utter terror and fear of being left alone or put in a home when their offspring had no other option but to emigrate to England or America.
Mag an ageing Galway mother played exceptionally by Michelle Whelan, resorts to cruelty and deceit to keep her last remaining child Maureen played by the brilliant AnneMarie Whelan, at home to look after her in her old age, depriving her of a life of normality and happiness with the kind and gentle Pato wonderfully portrayed by one of Enniscorthy`s finest actors Fintan Kelly.
The rapport between the two leading ladies is incredible, they are comfortable and at ease with each other on stage, their body language and facial expressions adding hugely to the comic element of the play, their timing and pace totally in sinz with each other and the jealousy, hatred and violence between them totally believable.
Their vile and manipulation completely contrasts with the gentleness and honesty of Pato beautifully understated by Fintan Kelly. Although, not a lead role nor a usual one for Fintan, to my mind he brings something special to this part and his letter scene just at the beginning of the second half is one of the best in the play, giving an insight to his gentle nature and endearing his character to the audience.
The chemistry between himself and Maureen is expertly done appearing natural and poignant.
The chemistry between Mag and Pato`s brother Ray played by the exuberant Brendan Robinson provides most of the comedy of the play and the interaction between the two actors coming across uncontrived and with ease.
All four actors give tremendous performances – this is quality acting by professionals and I cannot speak highly enough of the overall production – it is simply excellent. The set is perfect and the special effects, like the sound of the rain on the window, the very natural looking flames from the very believable looking Aga, the running water from the sink tap and the terrifying sounds of oil sizzling on the cooker are fantastic additions, as is the lighting and the errie Hitchcock music between acts and all are a credit to Director Tom Reddy who has done a most marvellous job and has indeed created pure magic at the Presentation.
The set changes are minimal and effortlessly executed by the quick moving back stage crew under Stage Manager Fiona Condrenand indeed front of house – Chairman Liam Doyle and Treasurer Tom Boland looking resplendent in Tuxes working with the efficient Presentation crew under Manager Lisa Byrne, all making for a most splendid and enjoyable experience at the Beauty Queen of Leenane.
Finally, could I just wish all at Enniscorthy Drama the very best of luck on the Circuit and I have no doubt that they will do themselves and their town proud.
Critiquing the Martin McDonagh masterpiece I was under pains to find fault with the brilliantly directed, superbly acted and expertly stage managed performance. Director and Set Designer Tom Reddy had indeed excelled himself with this one.
The sombre tale is a common one of an Ireland of a time when ageing mothers and fathers lived in utter terror and fear of being left alone or put in a home when their offspring had no other option but to emigrate to England or America.
Mag an ageing Galway mother played exceptionally by Michelle Whelan, resorts to cruelty and deceit to keep her last remaining child Maureen played by the brilliant AnneMarie Whelan, at home to look after her in her old age, depriving her of a life of normality and happiness with the kind and gentle Pato wonderfully portrayed by one of Enniscorthy`s finest actors Fintan Kelly.
The rapport between the two leading ladies is incredible, they are comfortable and at ease with each other on stage, their body language and facial expressions adding hugely to the comic element of the play, their timing and pace totally in sinz with each other and the jealousy, hatred and violence between them totally believable.
Their vile and manipulation completely contrasts with the gentleness and honesty of Pato beautifully understated by Fintan Kelly. Although, not a lead role nor a usual one for Fintan, to my mind he brings something special to this part and his letter scene just at the beginning of the second half is one of the best in the play, giving an insight to his gentle nature and endearing his character to the audience.
The chemistry between himself and Maureen is expertly done appearing natural and poignant.
The chemistry between Mag and Pato`s brother Ray played by the exuberant Brendan Robinson provides most of the comedy of the play and the interaction between the two actors coming across uncontrived and with ease.
All four actors give tremendous performances – this is quality acting by professionals and I cannot speak highly enough of the overall production – it is simply excellent. The set is perfect and the special effects, like the sound of the rain on the window, the very natural looking flames from the very believable looking Aga, the running water from the sink tap and the terrifying sounds of oil sizzling on the cooker are fantastic additions, as is the lighting and the errie Hitchcock music between acts and all are a credit to Director Tom Reddy who has done a most marvellous job and has indeed created pure magic at the Presentation.
The set changes are minimal and effortlessly executed by the quick moving back stage crew under Stage Manager Fiona Condrenand indeed front of house – Chairman Liam Doyle and Treasurer Tom Boland looking resplendent in Tuxes working with the efficient Presentation crew under Manager Lisa Byrne, all making for a most splendid and enjoyable experience at the Beauty Queen of Leenane.
Finally, could I just wish all at Enniscorthy Drama the very best of luck on the Circuit and I have no doubt that they will do themselves and their town proud.
Weighing in with plenty of laughs at presentation centre | Maria Nolan, Enniscorthy Guardian 03/02/2018
Laughter echoed around The Presentation Centre recently as a comedy about life, love and dieting took to the stage. The hilarious Weighing In by Ger Gallagher really captured the imaginations of the audience and was just the tonic for those January blues, particularly for those being a little hard on themselves following the excesses of the festive season.
The play featured a fantastic on-stage pairing of Isobel Mahon, who many will have recognised from The Clinic and Glenroe, and Rose Henderson of Fair City fame. It focused on an unlikely friendship between highly-driven Pam and motherly Breda who both attend the Easi-Slim diet club. While high-flyer Pam only joined the club to maintain and brag about the four stone she's lost, Breda has dilligently attended the club's meetings but just can't seem to see any results - that is until she meets Pam. As Breda buys into the wonderful lifestyle her new friend lives, she quickly sees Pam's mask begin to slip and realises that all is not as it seems and sometimes, you should be careful what you wish for.
Isobel and Rose shared a wonderful chemistry on stage and genuinely had the audience in stitches with their expertly delivered punch-lines and often hilarious facial expressions. It proved to a relatable and heart-warming tale that went down a treat among the largely female audience on the night.
The play featured a fantastic on-stage pairing of Isobel Mahon, who many will have recognised from The Clinic and Glenroe, and Rose Henderson of Fair City fame. It focused on an unlikely friendship between highly-driven Pam and motherly Breda who both attend the Easi-Slim diet club. While high-flyer Pam only joined the club to maintain and brag about the four stone she's lost, Breda has dilligently attended the club's meetings but just can't seem to see any results - that is until she meets Pam. As Breda buys into the wonderful lifestyle her new friend lives, she quickly sees Pam's mask begin to slip and realises that all is not as it seems and sometimes, you should be careful what you wish for.
Isobel and Rose shared a wonderful chemistry on stage and genuinely had the audience in stitches with their expertly delivered punch-lines and often hilarious facial expressions. It proved to a relatable and heart-warming tale that went down a treat among the largely female audience on the night.
Drummer And The Keeper film brings understanding of mental health issues | Jackie Hayden, Gorey Guardian 27/01/18
The imminent debut album by the band MUDA, led by Gorey vocalist Dave Lavelle, lyrically addresses issues that have been covered across all media, but are not so easy to find in our rock music, with some exceptions. So I welcome musician Nick Kelly's graphic and sensitive film The Drummer and The Keeper as it embeds those issues firmly in a rock world that has bequeathed us a trail of broken lives.
The film asks whether deep-seated emotional matters can be successfully tackled through creative activity, and while the depiction of a naive rock band heading for the top has been much overdone, it serves as a suitable background against which the issues can be played out. The bi-polar Gabriel, the Drummer in the band and of the title, is played convincingly by Dermot Murphy. His fellow musicians and sister Alice (Aoibhinn McGinnity) are rapidly losing patience with his erratic behaviour, unreliability, and penchant for setting fire to things. But he loves the band so much he reluctantly agrees to be medicated and to play football with some disabled guys as part of his treatment. He falteringly develops a friendship with The Keeper Christopher (Jacob McCarthy) who has Asperger Syndrome and is obsessed with goalkeepers and Lego. Christopher becomes a highly efficient roadie for the band, but things fall apart when they dump Gabriel for a new bloke. But it's not over yet ...
Unlike Nick Kelly, who has an autistic son, I have thankfully had no immediate experience of such matters, so his film helped me understand the trials and pressures on those who have. Others expressed the exact same response. It might seem crass to see it also as a hugely entertaining work with lots of the kind of rock noises I like, but maybe that's one way to break on through to the other side. Mental health matters are not easy to make fun of but The Drummer and The Keeper is played with such sympathy that you laugh with the characters. So maybe we've come a long way since John Lennon's gauche parodies of those with disabilities. Maybe.
The film asks whether deep-seated emotional matters can be successfully tackled through creative activity, and while the depiction of a naive rock band heading for the top has been much overdone, it serves as a suitable background against which the issues can be played out. The bi-polar Gabriel, the Drummer in the band and of the title, is played convincingly by Dermot Murphy. His fellow musicians and sister Alice (Aoibhinn McGinnity) are rapidly losing patience with his erratic behaviour, unreliability, and penchant for setting fire to things. But he loves the band so much he reluctantly agrees to be medicated and to play football with some disabled guys as part of his treatment. He falteringly develops a friendship with The Keeper Christopher (Jacob McCarthy) who has Asperger Syndrome and is obsessed with goalkeepers and Lego. Christopher becomes a highly efficient roadie for the band, but things fall apart when they dump Gabriel for a new bloke. But it's not over yet ...
Unlike Nick Kelly, who has an autistic son, I have thankfully had no immediate experience of such matters, so his film helped me understand the trials and pressures on those who have. Others expressed the exact same response. It might seem crass to see it also as a hugely entertaining work with lots of the kind of rock noises I like, but maybe that's one way to break on through to the other side. Mental health matters are not easy to make fun of but The Drummer and The Keeper is played with such sympathy that you laugh with the characters. So maybe we've come a long way since John Lennon's gauche parodies of those with disabilities. Maybe.
A Face in the Crowd with an important message | David Tucker, Enniscorthy Guardian 21/10/17
Wexford Mental Health Association's highly-successful Discover Recover Theatre Project - 'A Face in the Crowd' will be touring this November and January.
Now in its second year, the group will perform in The George Bernard Shaw Theatre, Carlow, on Thursday November 16, The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, on Friday, November 17 and Wexford Arts Centre on Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24.
The tour will culminate with a performance at the prestigious Mental Health Awareness festival First Fortnight in Dublin's Smock Alley Theatre, in Temple Bar, on Thursday, January 4.
The Discover Recover Project was set up by Paula Lowney and Mairead Connaughton, both Senior Occupational Therapists, along with the playwriting skills of Community Mental Health Nurse Niall O'Muiri.
They asked people with 'lived experience' of mental health challenges to share their stories and their experiences of recovery with the aim that others would have the opportunity to learn from them. Through the shared stories the group developed a written piece of drama which resulted in the development of 'A Face in the Crowd'.
'The real human experience of mental health difficulties, are all around us, but we often don't see it. It is rarely spoken about and the details of the impact on individuals and families are rarely shared. This project through the sharing of sincere true life stories offers not only a rare glimpse into a hidden world, but also offers enlightenment and hope,' said Paula.
This project is a partnership between the HSE Mental Health Services, the Wexford and Carlow Mental Health Associations, ESB Funds for Generations and the National Lottery.
The project originated in Wexford in 2015, with sell-out performances in the Wexford Arts Centre between December 2015 and January 2016.
In November, 2016 a schools version toured secondary schools in Wexford County with very positive feedback. Schools performances will take place ahead of the main venue performances followed by feedback sessions.
For more information on the project call Paula Lowney 087 2754752 paula.lowney@hse.ie
Now in its second year, the group will perform in The George Bernard Shaw Theatre, Carlow, on Thursday November 16, The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, on Friday, November 17 and Wexford Arts Centre on Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24.
The tour will culminate with a performance at the prestigious Mental Health Awareness festival First Fortnight in Dublin's Smock Alley Theatre, in Temple Bar, on Thursday, January 4.
The Discover Recover Project was set up by Paula Lowney and Mairead Connaughton, both Senior Occupational Therapists, along with the playwriting skills of Community Mental Health Nurse Niall O'Muiri.
They asked people with 'lived experience' of mental health challenges to share their stories and their experiences of recovery with the aim that others would have the opportunity to learn from them. Through the shared stories the group developed a written piece of drama which resulted in the development of 'A Face in the Crowd'.
'The real human experience of mental health difficulties, are all around us, but we often don't see it. It is rarely spoken about and the details of the impact on individuals and families are rarely shared. This project through the sharing of sincere true life stories offers not only a rare glimpse into a hidden world, but also offers enlightenment and hope,' said Paula.
This project is a partnership between the HSE Mental Health Services, the Wexford and Carlow Mental Health Associations, ESB Funds for Generations and the National Lottery.
The project originated in Wexford in 2015, with sell-out performances in the Wexford Arts Centre between December 2015 and January 2016.
In November, 2016 a schools version toured secondary schools in Wexford County with very positive feedback. Schools performances will take place ahead of the main venue performances followed by feedback sessions.
For more information on the project call Paula Lowney 087 2754752 paula.lowney@hse.ie
