Longford mother-daughter duo bring double the drama to Edgeworthstown

Edgeworthstown will be the place to be this October as a mother-daughter directing duo brings two exciting one-act plays to the stage.

On October 26 and 27 Pauline and Vanessa Flood, a creative family pair, will be showcasing their unique talents with two very different productions.

Pauline is taking the reins on a hilarious comedy, Where There's A Will, penned by local playwright Jimmy Keary.

With a cast brimming with local talent—John Rooney, Mary Killane, Kate Donohoe, James Martin, James Hynes, and the debut father-daughter team of Gerry and Abi Greene—this laugh-out-loud show promises to be filled with mischief, mayhem, and antics galore.

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The seasoned actors and fresh faces alike will no doubt bring Keary's quick wit to life, offering the audience a well-needed dose of belly laughs.

Meanwhile, Vanessa steps into the spotlight with Storm Seamus, her latest original work following the success of Against All Odds, for which she was highly commended in the 2023 National Playwriting Competition.

Storm Seamus is a dark comedy set in a rural Irish pub during a treacherous storm. As tensions rise, an estranged married couple find themselves stranded, with Seamus, the meddling barman (played by the ever-charismatic Jimmy Connell, also known as Jimmy Jest), taking matters into his own hands.

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With rich characters played by Richie Cheevers and Annette Casey, both accomplished actors in their own right, the story twists and turns in unexpected ways, creating a night of biting tension and stormy revelations.

But Storm Seamus doesn’t end with its Edgeworthstown debut. Vanessa and her cast are taking the show on the road, competing in the One-Act Festival circuit at venues in Cavan, Letterkenny, Mullagh, Manorhamilton, and Ballymahon.

Each festival date promises to showcase their darkly funny tale to new audiences, and Vanessa couldn't be more excited.

As Vanessa herself puts it: "It's more than a just a competition for me; it is a celebration of all the talent locally and nationally. It is a spirited networking event."

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With two brilliant plays, two dynamic directors, and two wildly different takes on life and comedy, this family team is set to make a splash in Edgeworthstown and beyond. Whether you're in the mood for lighthearted laughs or something a bit more thought-provoking, there's something for everyone in this double bill.

Mostrim Players stage their autumn one act plays at Edgeworthstown Community Centre this Saturday and Sunday, October 26 and 27 at 7:30pm.