Photos of launch by Martin Doyle
Carlow Little Theatre Society’s recent production of Gaslight, by Patrick Hamilton, which was staged in the VISUAL in October was a hit with local audiences and struck a cord, not only for its high production values, but it was also widely praised for tackling the subject matter synonymous with the play’s title. As gaslighting is a key part of the relationships at the centre of play’s story, the society offered to run a charity night for Amber, the domestic abuse organisation for women and children, which featured a fascinating panel discussion and Q&A with the audience afterwards. The night raised €1,000 for Amber and helped increase awareness about their important services supporting and protecting women and children across Carlow and Kilkenny.
80 years
There was a buzz in the air on Thursday December 4th, as movie star Patrick Bergin was in town to help launch a book on the 80-year history of Carlow Little Theatre Society. The event was held at the county library and Mr Bergin was present in his capacity as honorary life member of the society, and in recognition of his father’s role as one of the society’s founding members.
The book was a labour of love by members of the group, who had been working on it since 2020, researching and gathering information, photos, anecdotes and mementos from members past and present. The launch had a great turnout, and included members young and old, their supporters and friends. It included Rory Moran and Bernard Jennings, whose fathers, Terry and Gerald respectively, were also co-founders of the society. Mark Cradock, President of the Society, noted in his speech that it is ‘a gigantic achievement’ to have the drama society performing plays every single year in its 80-year history. Patrick Bergin, who was joined by his brother Pearse, read some poems written by his late father Paddy, and praised the society, encouraging it to “keep up the good work”. MC for the evening was Marc Grogan, with Marc, Paul McManus, Paul Dunne and Mark Cradock reading excerpts and contributions. Head Researcher and Editor on the book was David Nolan, who sadly passed away in October before the book made it to print. The book was fittingly dedicated to David, with his two daughters Emma and Ruth present, joined by David’s wife Ann and others via online streaming. Sadly, members of the society and the wider Carlow community were shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Ann passing away the following morning after a short illness. Ann was an integral part of the theatre group, a ‘pillar of the society’, and had done lighting on most of its productions over the past 35 years as well as being heavily involved in the running of the society. The book was very important to her, and her loss is profoundly mourned by its members.
The book is available at several shops around town, including Made in Carlow (and on their website), Goldmark Jewellers, the Tourist Office, Jones Business Systems, Lamberts Coffee Shop and Swans Electrical. People can also contact carlowlittletheatre@gmail.com for copies.
The society will also be having a major party to celebrate its 80th anniversary milestone at a dinner event on January 24th next in the Seven Oaks Hotel. The evening will include the presentation of many photos and mementos amassed by members going back to the 1940s, the gathering of current and past members, as well as friends of the society.
And, as drama never stops at Carlow Little Theatre Society, they have announced readings for their next major product, Big Maggie, by John B Keane.
