Photos by Pat Shortall
Kilquan Players from Coon in North Kilkenny, know a thing or two about drama.
Drama on the stage that is. To be fair, they should, as they have been producing and presenting theatrical productions for the last thirty years.
This year they presented ‘Separate Beds’ by Irish Playwright Sam Creed and director Benny Mills who spoke to the Kilkenny Observer about the production. “It is a complete and absolute romp of a play. The whole experience has been a fantastic and you just could not ask more from the cast, who gave it their all”
Benny explained that theatre has a wonderful way of bringing a community together and that is exactly what happens in Coon each year.
Speaking as both an administrator and an actor with Kilquan players, Maria Purcell said it was great that new people were prepared to get involved and that the door is always open to new members.
Maria stressed that apart from the group benefiting from staging a production, thousands of euros has been raised for local charities.
Organisations such as local schools, senior citizens, and the local Field committee are just some to benefit from raffle nights held during the run of the play.
The show which ran for five performances was sold out each night.
Cast included: Martin Murphy, Vivienne Law, Eimear Donohue, Brian Fitzpatrick, Tom Murphy,Maria Purcell, Ann Tunstead, John Ryan, Teresa Haughney and Martin Curran.
The crew included: Benny Mills (director) Front of house: Willie Lawlor, Rhian Lawlor,Toddy Murphy. Prompters: Betty Ryan, Stasia Murphy and Jamie Holohan. BackstageTeresa Healy and Liam Mounsey. Make Up Betty Ryan. Stage design was by Bernard Keogh and Benny Mills while sound and lighting was in the capable hands of John Fitzpatrick and Patrick Healy. Mike Tunstead was MC for the show while refreshments were looked after by The ladies from Coon.
Kilkenny photographer Pat Shortall was at Coon Hall to capture the atmosphere .
