Longford drama group to stage the unmissable 'Unforgiven' this weekend

Newtowncashel Drama Group have a rich and storied history and this weekend they add to their list of productions when they stage ‘Unforgiven’ by Leitrim playwright John Mc Dwyer.

The hilarious comedy guarantees a great night of drama for all: “We have our dress rehearsal on Thursday night, then full run on Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” Director Dermot Healy said of the group's Spring production.

Friday will be the culmination of many hours of rehearsal: “We spend the last three or four months of the winter having the crack, reading, drinking copious amounts of tea, and analysing the play in order to put it on stage and having fun with it.”

Described by the author as “a mad play about mad people who are content with their madness”, “Unforgiven” tells the story of PJ and his brother Seamus who are awaiting their father’s death while their neighbour Mary is nursing her mother through her final illness.

“It's a deep play in one sense, but John Mc Dwyer's writing is so good that he peppers it with humour. Like a lot of his plays it's set in rural Ireland, specifically rural Leitrim. He deals with problems like isolation, reforestation and depopulation, that is replacing people with trees.”

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Drama has been a popular pastime in Newtowncashel for quite some time: “Newtowncashel Drama Group has been in existence for over 100 years. During those 100 years, we've missed about six years. Three during Covid and I three during World War Two.

“The originally a group came together and it started off in the old Tomas Ash Hall, probably around the time of its construction. Drama has been strong in Newtowncashel for the last 100 years.”

Dermot Healy has been a force within the group in recent times: “I joined when I was 16 and I loved it. I was no good at anything else. I have brothers who play football, but it was now where my skills were.

“I was useless at football. I remember one time playing in Pearse Park. We got to an under-12s final. I was cornerback. They used to stick me in wherever they were missing somebody.

“I remember the ball was thrown in at midfield. I caught it. Oh, Jesus, it was a perfect catch. You couldn't ask for better. I took it on the chest. Did a little bit of a solo. And then gave this beautiful kick down towards the goal.

“I could hear everyone in the stadium go, oh. And I was like, what? I kicked the ball the wrong way! That's when I realised I better look for another hobby.”

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The call of limelight was strong because of the local popularity of drama: “Michael Casey was the director at that time. We put on some wonderful plays.

“The first play ever I was involved in was The King of Friday's Men. I fell in love with it. I was very shy for a long time as well, but it helped boost confidence.”

Newtowncashel Drama Group take to the stage this weekend from Friday, February 28 through Saturday, March 1 to Sunday, March 2. Doors open at 8pm, with curtains at 8.30pm.

Tickets are €10 for adults and €5 primary school children. Booking line to reserve a seat: (087) 380 4481.