Deckchairs by Jean McConnell

This year’s presentation by the Cork RTAI Drama group was “Deckchairs” by Jean McConnell. The group performed three shows in all. Two were in the Lee Valley Golf Club followed by one night upstairs in the White Horse Inn.

The shows were sold out for the three nights and a great night’s entertainment was enjoyed by capacity audiences.Directed by Marian O’Callaghan, each of the four short plays was enacted by two characters and each story had an unexpected twist in the tail.  

“Shoppers” starring Kathleen Lowney and Alice Barry opened the show. Set on a park bench in the city  centre, it tells the tale of two shopaholics who have a surprising secret.  Alice and Kathleen got the show off to an exciting start each night and delighted audiences with their exploits. 

Early Blight was the second show and starred Judy McCarthy and Ber O’Sullivan. It told the story of a fraught mother/daughter relationship which was very vividly portrayed by the two actors. 

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Thanks to Seán Radley for the wonderful photos which capture the drama so effectively. 

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Last Post starring Margaret Walsh and Kathleen Flynn features the widow of a recently deceased and well-respected gentleman who receives an unexpected letter. Mystery and intrigue are part of the unfolding story of the two ladies whose relationship is based on a very successful con artist’s scheming. 

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Doggies with Gerardine Shine and Grace Donovan and their dogs is a hilarious tale of two different dog owners and two very different dogs. Robbie and San San and their owners ended the night on a note of laughter and action. 

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Sincere thanks to all who came to see the shows. Full houses make all the efforts worthwhile. Thanks also to everyone who helped out on the nights.  Particular thanks to Pat Lehane who did the lighting in the Lee Valley and to Willie Barrett and Deirdre who built the stage. They were helped by Jack and Leo. The staff of the Lee Valley and the White Horse  were extremely helpful and facilitated us with the production in every way possible and we are very grateful to them.  We appreciate your support and hope to see you again next year.