Brian Friel's ‘Lovers : Winners & Losers' coming to two Mayo theatres

Castlebar Musical & Dramatic society will present Brian Friel's two one-act plays ‘Lovers: Winners & Losers' in the Town Hall Theatre Westport on the 13th June and in the Linenhall, Castlebar on the 15th June. These two plays tell the stories of two very different couples beginning their life-long relationships together.

‘Lovers: Winners' is a story about two teenagers who are set to marry in a few weeks as they have a baby on the way. The characters share their hopes and dreams for the future with vitality and optimism against a background of impending tragedy. The part of ‘Mag' will be played by Castlebar-native, Stephanie Cassol, in her third production with the society. John Byrne will play opposite her in the part of ‘Joe'. John was recently nominated for an AIMS award for his portrayal of ‘Bill Snibson' in Calremorris Musical Society's production of ‘Me & My Girl'. The energy and youthful exuberance exhibited by Mag and Joe is starkly contrasted by the two sombre narrators in the show: played by Noreen McNamee and Brendan Mullins.

The story of ‘Andy', played by Seamas Cafferky, and ‘Hannah', played by Vivienne Lee, is told in ‘Lovers: Losers'. Both of these actors are no strangers to the stage. They both have multiple plays and musicals under their belts with various societies in Mayo and a number of awards for performance and directing. The play tells us of the courtship and early marriage of an older couple who are trying to find their feet under the watchful and interfering eye of the mother-in-law, ‘Mrs. Wilson', played by Liz Browne. Liz most recently performed in St. Patrick's Drama Group's production of ‘Stolen Child' in Westport to great acclaim. Mrs. Wilson is ably assisted by her next door neighbour, ‘Cissy Cassidy', played by Donna Ruane, another award-winning actress.

In addition to the one-act plays, the audiences will be treated to a musical feast as members of Castlebar Musical & Dramatic Society will provide a musical interlude with songs from the movies and musicals.

This double bill of one-act plays and music are sure to draw a laugh and a tear from the audience with tales of love, life, humour and tragedy. Don't miss this evening of drama and song! Tickets can be purchased from the Town Hall Theatre website www.westporttheatre.com or Tel: 098-28459 and from the Linenhall www.thelinenhall.com or Tel: 094-9023733.