Ardcroney Players return with new show
Comedy ‘Lucky Numbers’ to be performed
Following on from their very successful production of The Field last year, the Ardcroney Players are back with their 2024 offering of ‘Lucky Numbers’ - a hilarious comedy written by Mike Yeaman.
This is the first time the play has been seen in Ireland, and the players are confident that it will become a regular choice for many other groups in the future.
The plot revolves around a central character, Nana, played by Pat Carey. Nana had spent her younger years in England during the war and now, in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, she is very much affected by her experiences of the frequent air raids and shortages of foodstuffs, particularly bread.
No longer in a position to live independently she has come to reside with her daughter, Janice, played by Martina Cleary, and her family. Janice, through her job at the local supermarket, effectively keeps the show on the road as her husband, Ronnie, played by Noel Coonan, is not blessed with a strong work ethic, preferring to spend his days on the couch watching the telly rather than listening to Nana’s repeated telling of her wartime experiences.
They have been blessed with two children. Steven, played by Joseph Mulcahy, is a chip off the old block and spends his waking hours eating and playing video games. Their daughter, Lisa, is played by Neimh Mulcahy who has returned to the group after an absence of a number of years. Lisa has just finished school and has intentions of going to college, but is going through a crisis of identity not helped by her on-off relationship with her boyfriend, Shane.
Shane is a wannabe-biker who turns out to be a very colourful character, in every sense of the word but, despite the fact that he is severely lacking in educational qualifications, is always willing to lend a hand to try to solve problems well outside his capabilities.
As if all that wasn’t enough, throw in Ronnie’s mate, Mick, played by Gerry O’Rourke. While Mick has a close relationship with Ronnie, it would appear that his relationship with Janice might well be a whole lot closer, which has the potential to derail things big time.
The fun kicks off when Nana’s ‘lucky numbers’ come up in the lotto - or did they? Confusion rages throughout the play with the family sure, then unsure, and then sure again that they have won over €8 million.
The problem is not how they can convince Nana that the proceeds should be shared equally between them, but how they can get their hands on the ticket, if in fact, the ticket actually exists at all.
On the other hand, should they turn out to be millionaires they need to keep it secret from Mick and Shane.
The plot bobs and weaves from beginning to a very traumatic climax, sometimes sad, sometimes hilariously funny, but all the time a very good show.
Prospective patrons should be aware that the play features adult themes and strong language and is not suitable for young children.
TICKET DETAILS
The show kicks off on Friday week, February 23, at 8pm in Ardcroney Hall and continues on Saturday (February 24), Sunday (February 25) and Wednesday (February 28). It continues with two final performances on Friday (March 1) and the curtain comes down on Saturday (March 2).
Booking is advisable and is available each evening between 6 and 8pm on 086 0525045. Come along for a great night’s entertainment and savour the traditional Ardcroney hospitality.