After a two year break the Festival of Drama is back in Claregalway. At short notice in 2020 the organisers of the annual Claregalway Festival of Drama had to call off the Festival when Covid 19 struck the country. In 2021 the event had to be also cancelled as the dreaded pandemic remained. Thankfully this year there is light at the end of the tunnel and the festival circuit is back in action, albeit with several regular groups not yet ready to take to the stage.
Many groups start rehearsals in early Autumn and at that stage the Omicron virus was still in full strength that left many groups unable to participate because of the age profile of many members. However Claregalway Festival of Drama were able to attract a ful list of top class groups to their long running festival.
The Festival will commence on this Friday night March 11th with Bunclody – Kilmshil Drma Group and their production of “The Good Father” by Christian O’Reilly. On Saturday night Palace Players will present “Chappatty” by Christian O’Reilly. On Sunday night March 13th Corofin Drama Group will present “Betrayal” by Harold Pinter.
On Monday night March 14th Ray Leonard Players will present the popular production of “The Beauty Queen of Leenane” by Martin McDonagh. On Tuesday night there will be no production but on wednesday march 16th a full house is expected as Clann Machua Drama Group present their production of “Sive” by John B. Keane.
On St. Patrick’s night thursday march 17th Dalkey Players will present “Eurydice” by Sarah Ruhl. On Friday night March 18th Glenamaddy Players will present the popular “The Cripple of Inishmaan” by Martin McDonagh and the festival will conclude on Saturday March 19th with Letterkenny Drama Group presenting “Dramatuers” by Kieran Kelly.
The Claregalway Festival of Drama has always brought full houses in a well organised festival and this year will be no different.
Ticketsd are €12 each night but season tickets are available at excellent value at €60.