Great reaction to The Cripple of Inishmaan in Longford's Backstage Theatre

Mostrim Players' production of The Cripple of Inishmaan received a rapturous response from the local audience when they staged the show for three nights at Backstage Theatre.

Directed by Charlie McGuinness the Mostrim Players production highlighted the wealth of acting talent available to the group.

There were no weak links in the chain of this play, and the ensemble mined it for every ounce of comedy. The central character, disabled orphan Billy Claven, was played by Donal Cooney.

His maiden aunts Kate and Eileen Osbourne, were taken on by Denise Flood and Annette Casey. Casey and Flood worked superbly well together, getting the rhythm of the ever-so-slightly unhinged sisters pitch perfect.

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The role of Johnnypateenmike, the town's primary social media correspondent was played by Paddy Donnelly. Donnelly is very effective in ensuring the audience develops a strong opinion on the news man.

'Slippy' Helen McCormick is Billy's thuggish love interest, her portrayal by Vanessa Galligan, draws a remarkable picture of the chaotic young woman. In a particularly strong cast Setanta Flood managed to stand out as Bartley McCormick, Helen's brother and a young man adept at playing the fool.

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Rounding out the cast was Ray Hussey, who plays Babbybobby Bennett, a boatman whose wife died of tuberculosis, Doctor McSharry, the town doctor played by Padraig Kelly, and a particularly notable star turn by Pauline flood as Mammy O'Dougal, Johnny's alcoholic 90-year-old mother who is trying to drink herself dead with a little assistance from her son.

One of the striking features of the Mostrim Players production is the four family members acting on stage together at the same time. Pauline Flood, her daughter Vanessa Galligan, her grandson Setanta Flood, Setanta’s mum Denise Flood, saw three generations take to the stage for the show.

Every aspect of the show, lighting, set and sound were of an exceptionally high standard. Mostrim Players must be immensely proud of the production.

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