Thought provoking Longford play 'Cardboard Coffin' returns for Bog Lane Theatre run

The successful run of a play written and performed by Longford talent will return for a two night run at Bog Lane Theatre, Ballymahon.

'Cardboard Coffin' is a deep, dark and thought-provoking play telling the story of Johnny, a man down on his luck. Johnny will be expertly portrayed by actor Jimmy Connell (aka Jimmy Jests).

Written by Valerie Masters, the play is extremely powerful and forces the audience to confront the issue of homelessness head on.

Jimmy Connell says the show is returning for two more outings because of the audience response: “We did three nights in October and it sold out for all three nights. There was a big demand for us to come back and go again. So myself and Valerie decided that we put it on again for another two nights.”

Focusing on issues such as homelessness and mental health the story is particularly topical: “Valerie has put together a very strong script.

“The messages I got after the show from people who experienced some of the topics touched on, like suicide, drug use, or homelessness, was how true it is. It's a hard-hitting play.”

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Jimmy is an actor more renowned for his comedic talent, he feels 'Cardboard Coffin' allows him to show audiences a different side of his craft: “People may not go to the theatre to see shows with themes like this often. It was new for a lot of people who are used to light entertainment or comedy. It's the complete opposite.”

He was attracted to the script by its depth: “The story is about Johnny and his life, his experiences with the people he grew up with. The way it plays out in front of the audience keeps them engaged for the whole time.

“There's two halves, each about a half an hour. The audience needs that break, just to take stock, because it's very intense and you hear a pin drop in the theatre.”

The Edgeworthstown actor is looking forward to returning to Ballymahon: “Bog Lane is ideal because it's so intimate. They're nearly beside you. They're right in the room with Johnny.”

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He says working with the playwright had been a joy: “Valerie is just brilliant. She gave me the script earlier in the summer and I read it and I just loved it. And then she just left me to it. She didn't interfere in any way in terms of how I put it on.

“She had done it previously with Jude McLynn maybe six years ago. I hadn't seen that and I had no preconception of what way to play it.”

'Cardboard Coffin' will be staged in the Bog Lane Theatre, Ballymahon on Friday December 13 and Saturday, December 14. Tickets are €15, doors open at 8:00pm, show starts at 8:30pm.