Mostrim Players brings historic drama to Longford's Backstage

Spring time has been a particularly vibrant time for local drama groups and Mostrim Players take to the stage with their latest production this month.

The group will present 'Tom Foolery at the Folly', a drama based on events that resulted in the establishment of a charitable trust. The Edgeworthstown based drama group presents the story behind the establishment of Charlton’s Endowment Charitable Trust Fund.

Written by Pauline Flood it's a tale with an historic setting. It depicts a time in Moatfarrell, Longford around 1776, where a 75 year old man intended to marry and father a child to inherit his millions. The aforesaid man, millionaire Thomas Charlton Sr, had two jealous sisters who each had a son and these two hags devised a plan to rob their brother of his manhood, to prevent him fathering an heir.
Pauline used her background as a Genealogist to research the story and the family lineage and put together a drama to portray the incidents that transformed history. Though not fully recorded or researched with half the storyline was lost along the way Pauline uses it as a starting point for her story.

“This story is not 100% true, but uses poetic licence for entertainment value,” Pauline tells, “It has been fabricated to match in with the storyline. It contains all the elements of entertainment, it’s funny, dark, squeamish, and along with some singing interludes it brings the whole scenario alive. It is suitable for anyone over the age of 12. This play is directed by Vanessa Galligan.”

Mostrim Players was founded in 2013 as a result of the hugely successful American Wake production for the Gathering 2013. They are an amateur dramatic group of enthusiastic people of all ages from Edgeworthstown and surrounding areas: “We will run ongoing workshops as well as future productions. New members are always welcome,” Pauline said.

The Folly of the title refers to the ruins of a tower house built by Thomas Charlton Sr. The ruins are a landmark in Moatfarrell and are locally known as Charlton’s Folly.

There are many local stories around Charlton's Folly, including that it was built from the blood of cattle as the cement-like substance in the walls is of a red-colour. It's said Charlton kept a pack of hounds and had a different horse to ride every day in the week.

To find out more about this intriguing tale Tom Foolery at the Folly will be presented to the public at Backstage Theatre on May, 18, 19 and 20.
Book now to avoid disappointment. To book call the Backstage on 043 33 47888.