Stars of stage sparkle in Newport comedy

Stars of the stage in amateur dramatics have shone through a local production of a full length play, the performances of which have left the audiences impressed by the quality of acting.

Ray Cooney's hilarious comedy ‘Funny Money’ is plotted around a succession of unusual twists and turns which combine into a mayhem of misunderstandings.

The family plans to cover up their discovery of ‘hot money’ adds to the confusion as the ideas fall apart, but for the audiences produces laughs aplenty throughout the two hour play.

Newport Drama Group’s production of the play lived up to the high expectations audiences have come to rely upon from this talented and experienced cast.

Pride of place has to go to Liam Byrne as ‘Henry Perkins’, the middle aged accountant and his stage wife, Carol O'Hora, playing ‘Jean Perkins’ whose performances as the ‘couple’ who are central to the plot, literally ‘stole the show’.

Both are very demanding character roles, upon which the delivery of the plot of the play relies heavily. In equal proportion the performances of Liam and Carol thrilled the audiences and were widely praised.

Liam is truly an aspiring actor, who has a keen interest in developing the skills of acting. Film production numbered among his interests at third level and he currently has a YouTube channel where he reviews old historical horror films.

His keen interest shone through in the performance of an intricate role where the mood changes to evolving situations are crucial but delivered with the ultimate ease and professionalism throughout.

Carol was a perfect stage wife. A member of the Newport Drama Group for a number of years, the UHL-based nurse has consistently shown her love and adaptability on the stage in the local productions over the recent years.

A member of the Newport GAA Scór Novelty Act productions, winners of the All Ireland Final twice, her role as ‘Jean Perkins’ would easily have won for her another national honour.

Playing the role of the developing ‘drunk’ wife of Henry Perkins is a challenging part requiring a lot of concentration and consistency throughout, but she left little more to be achieved.

As one swallow does not make the summer, the best stage actors can only achieve their maximum with the support of a full cast. While the storyline of this play is heavily reliant on the audience sitting back to enjoy plenty of laughs, rather than a serious plot, there were no weak links in this cast on delivery.

The roles of police officers, Davenport and Slater, were very capably filled by Padraic Kennedy and Pauric Kennedy. Very well performed, Vic Johnson was played by John O'Brien and his wife, Betty Johnson filled by Margaret Hickey, while Ann Marie Jones made a strong first stage performance as the taxi woman, Jill.

Then there was Mr Big, a central figure to the whole plot without a stage appearance until the final dramatic minutes, when performer, John C Ahern made an impressive entry to lead to curtain down.