Ardcroney Players return to the stage with ‘The Field’
Following on from their very successful production of Moll in 2020, the Ardcroney Players return with another John B Keane classic, ‘The Field’.
The curtain will go up for opening night on Friday February 17 at 8pm with subsequent performances on Saturday (February 18), Sunday (February 19), Wednesday (February 22), Friday (February 24), and a final performance on Saturday (February 25).
TICKET LINE
Early booking is advised. Reservations can be made by telephone at 086 0525045 between the hours of 6 and 9pm only.
The onerous task of portraying the infamous Bull McCabe falls to Gerry O’Rourke with Kevin Oakley as his son Tadhg. Noel Coonan assumes the role of auctioneer and publican, Mick Flanagan ably supported by his wife Mamie, played by Martina Cleary. The part of their eldest son, Leamy, is played by a newcomer to the ranks, Cian Hayes. Another debutant in this year’s production is John O’Brien, who dons the garb of the local parish priest, Fr Murphy. Pat Carey, fresh from her portrayals of Big Maggie and Moll, plays Mrs Butler, a widow whose poor financial situation forces her to sell her best field. Joseph Mulcahy draws the short straw as William Dee, the man who wants to buy the field which, as everyone knows, does not work out too well for him. The part of Dandy McCabe, the Bull’s first cousin is played by one of the regular cast members, Denis Darcy.
The players welcome back three former regular cast members for this year’s production. The Bird O’Donnell is played by Matt Cleary while the task of trying to find the murderer falls to his cousin Michael Cleary as Sergeant Leahy. Chairperson of the group, Margaret Cleary, makes a cameo return as Dandy McCabe’s wife. Direction is, once again, in the capable hands of Paddy Heffernan who, this year, in addition to his director’s duties, takes on the role of the bishop.
Ardcroney Players have built a reputation for a very professional approach to all their productions and this year will be no different. So, to avoid disappointment, be sure to book your seats early and come along to enjoy what promises to be a most entertaining production of The Field. Parents should note that as this play contains scenes of violence and some colourful language it may not be suitable for very young children.