Drink, death and false teeth! Newtownstewart Theatre Group brings comedy farce to the stage

THE Newtownstewart Theatre Group is set to bring plenty of laughs to local audiences with its upcoming production of 'Wake in the West', which will be staged on Friday and Saturday, February 14 and 15, in St Eugene’s Hall, Newtownstewart. Both performances begin at 8pm.

Speaking about the play, director Fintan Gallagher said 'Wake in the West', written by Michael J. Ginnelly, is a fast-paced comedy farce set in a wake house during the 1970s in the west of Ireland. The story centres on the death of Tom Healy, who has quite literally drunk himself to death and leaves behind a final request that causes outrage and chaos among his family.

“Tom’s dying wish is to have his ashes scattered at sea, which completely humiliates his family,” Fintan explained.

The wish torments them throughout the play and leads to a lot of hilarious scenes.

Set in a small fishing village, the play explores family tensions, neighbourly conflicts and a series of misunderstandings that escalate throughout the wake. Tom’s daughter Mary and son Martin, who must return from America for the funeral, are among the central characters, along with the local priest, Father Cassidy, and a colourful cast of neighbours.

“There’s drink involved, death involved, and even a bit of misfortune with a pair of false teeth,” Fintan joked. “I suppose the play is about drink, death and false teeth.”

The production also marks an exciting moment for the Newtownstewart Theatre Group, with many new faces taking to the stage.

“There are very few established actors in this play; nearly all of them are new,” Fintan said. “We’re trying to spread our wings and give people a chance to get their toes in the water. There are nine or ten newcomers alongside a few experienced cast members.”

The play runs for an hour and a half and includes an interval, during which complimentary refreshments will be served. Admission is £10, and there is no need to book in advance; audiences can simply pay at the door.

Rehearsals are well underway, with Joanne O’Doherty and Briege McSorley directing the production, their first time in a directing role.

“They’re working away with the cast,” Fintan said. “I let them get on with it and just poke my head in from time to time.”

Founded over 30 years ago, the Newtownstewart Theatre Group continues to play a key role in the local arts scene. Fintan encouraged everyone to come along and enjoy the show.

“It’ll be a great night out with plenty of laughs," he stated.

Looking ahead, the 32nd Newtownstewart Drama Festival will take place from February 27 to March 7 in St Eugene’s Hall, with performances nightly at 8pm. Drama groups from across the region will be taking part, including Armagh Theatre Group, Toxic Relationships, Newpoint Players, The Dead, Belvoir Players, Bouncers, Slemish Players, Sylvia, Enniskillen Drama Group, Doubt, Bunclody Drama Group, DA, and Cian Machua with Greta Garbo Came to Donegal.

Local group Pomeroy Players will perform Dancing at Lughnasa on Thursday, March 5.

Festival tickets are now available. For bookings, contact Breadán Ó hAoláin by phone or WhatsApp on 07706 106 216, or by email at newtownstewartdrama@gmail.com

Season tickets cost £50, while a four-night ticket is available for £25. Concessions are available for OAPs and students.

Fintan also extended thanks to festival adjudicator Michael Poynor, GODA, ADA, and expressed appreciation in advance to everyone supporting the group.

“The cast and crew are really looking forward to a great couple of nights in the hall,” he said.