BALALLY PLAYERS NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE

Extracts from the Newsletter - full details and pictures are in the PDF version (link above).

Winter 2009 Issue

Yuletide felicitations and goodwill to all! Times are tough for many right now; indeed we are all feeling the pinch of recession and redundancies. However Balally Players Theatre Company is a great antidote to the budgetary blues. Congratulations to all involved in this year’s activities. The standard of performance was really high, production values excellent and there was great generosity of spirit in those who helped behind the scenes. Many thanks too to all who supported our shows. We look forward to even bigger and better things in 2010. Padraic McIntyre, adjudicator at the One Act Finals in Longford said ‘Sport is the heart of the country but drama is the soul’. Balally Players warms the heart and feeds the soul! Thanks for playing your part in this. Merry Christmas, and the very best to you in the coming year.

Joanne Keane
Chairperson

The ‘Plough’ at The Mill and On Tour

We are all very much looking forward to Gary Wall’s first full length production. It’s O’Casey’s ‘The Plough & The Stars’ and it plays The Mill Theatre from Tuesday February 2nd to Saturday 6th. Gary has quite a different vision for this play and has an appealing mix of ages in his cast...Claire O’Donovan (remember Claire in ‘How The Other Half Loves’?) plays Ginnie Gogan and Fiona Buckley (Vinegar Tom?) plays Bessie Burgess—and of course we are very interested in Dave Walshe’s creation of ‘Fluther’. Strong back up from actors Oran O Rua as The Covey and Peter Flood as Uncle Peter. Gary’s best pal, Kevin Fahey finds himself as a one line british soldier –what you do to your friends! Cast has Declan as The Voice and a soldier, Aoibhinn plays Mollser and Judy McKeever, Rosie Redmond. A big welcome to two new cast members, Rob and Aoife as Jack and Nora Clitheroe. Production Manager is Jean Monahan. The ‘Plough’ will then take to the festival road in late February. Ist one up is Rush where Paraic McIntyre is adjudicator, next far north to Newtownstewart, then on to Castleblayney where they will meet with probably the biggest critic, Peter Sheridan. After that it’s Shercock, Newry, Cavan and Rathangan festivals. Stage Manager is Wes Scully with assistance from Izzy Fox. Transport Manager will be the redoubtable Pat Hand and if you can help in any way, email Gary at gwgwgw@hotmail.com

Christmas at Airfield

Airfield once again sold out for its run on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, December 2nd,3rd and 4th. Congratulations to Teresa Dempsey and her all singing, all comedy and all monologue teams. Great to see Oisin & Joe from Many Young Men there and a warm welcome to lovely Louise Casey, a wonderful new voice for Airfield. The mince pies and mulled wine went down a treat too. Congratulations to Fiona Walsh for her stint as a mulled wine virgin!

The Year Ahead

Stage Combat workshops begin in February prior to readings for the Summer Shakespeare. Tutor will be Paul Burke, President of the Stage Combat Academy. Paul choreographed the fight scenes for the Abbey’s Romeo and Juliet. Details on website in January

Old Saybrook

January 7th and 8th at the MILL THEATRE STUDIO. 8.00 ‘Old Saybrook’ by Woody Allen. Directed by Lorcan Dunne and featuring Orla Cooney, Richard Stowe, Emma Coombes, Sean Ahern, Dan Atkins, Joan McKevitt and Derek Greene. The play will represent Balally Players at the Bray One-Act Festival at the Mermaid Theatre on Wednesday January 27th. ‘Old Saybrook’ is an enjoyable comedy, plenty of humour, unexpected revelations and set at a bar-b-que party– something to cheer up those January blues! Pictured at rehearsal

Showcasing ….. New Directors

This Spring sees the opportunity for 3 people wishing to try their wings as director ..find your short performance piece, hold auditions and present it in the Studio in late April...get ready, set, GO …..

Only The Best For The Dundrum One-Act Festival

Jean Monahan can certainly call the winners as many of the shows appearing at the Dundrum Festival later made their appearance on the All Ireland stage. While coming third at Dundrum, Bradan won the All Ireland Open Final at Longford with The Quality of Boiled Water. Silken Thomas who also appeared at our festival came third in the All Ireland while our winner 36 Players took Best Actress. Prosperous with Zoo Story were also in the shake-up and Breiffni Players, twice winners at Dundrum, were very close runners up in the Confined Section. The standard of acting was superb in many shows. Congratulations to Jean and her team and to all the group members who helped out as minders, time keepers, hosts, tea makers, sandwich makers, and general tidier uppers—A special award to Tony for finding all those lost on the roundabout and to Jean for the best and booziest barm brack!

New Arrivals

Two of those who were of great assistance to the director and cast of our last show (pictured right) were Sean Murphy and Claire Reilly. Both worked on the fabulous programme produced by Sean’s company Xwerx. Sean and Claire both starred in ‘How The Other Half Loves’ in March this year and since then Sean's first baby, a boy, called Oscar has arrived and Claire is expecting a darling baby girl. What worrying about your lines can bring about…!

Wow! What audiences… . Many young men is a record breaker

A wonderfully evocative poster, a fabulous setting, beautifully lit and a committed and talented cast gave The Mill Theatre 5 sold out nights in November. Gerard and Karen conspired one short afternoon in Ely’s wine bar to dream up the setting, Mick Behan and Pat Hand made it all happen and Paul Macken contributed hugely through out the production and in the really creative lighting effects. A very cheerful cast, led by Francis as a hugely energetic Danger and with two smashing musical directors in Jacqueline Dooley and Muriel Caslin O’Hagan was pampered and minded throughout by production manager Hilary Madigan. It was a happy and united team and new members Joe McCarthy, Gareth Murphy, Oisin Gibson, Sean Daly, Kevin 0’Flynn,Stephanie Ruane and Grainne McCarthy found themselves sharing with helpful senior company members. Forty people were involved, from Derek Greene who had a crash course in sound design in the run up to opening night to Dympna Murray who began to plan costumes many months ago. The Theatre had calls from customers saying how much they enjoyed the show, encouraging the theatre to run more of the same. In fact, a second week would also have sold out– but who is to know that a play is going to be a smash-hit? On opening night, what a surprise to hear the audience sing along with Claire on her rendition of ‘Irene Goodnight’ or to hear the senior ladies in the front row encourage Peg (beautifully achieved by Jacqueline Dooley) not to marry Joe! While many would not be John B Keane fan’s, in a inspiring production, he is still the people’s favourite.

Year To Date?

Well, its been a very busy season since September. Balally Players as a company has represented Ireland abroad, cast two big plays, actors and crew of around 60 group members, welcomed new members, some to a one act play for Bray Festival, ran a most successful one act festival at the Mill, produced a Christmas variety show with 19 performers and succeeded in bringing the next All Ireland Finals to the Mill Theatre in 2010. Hopefully all those involved not only enjoyed their roles but also had the opportunity to improve their craft and hone there acting skills….

WHATS NEXT??

· Performance of Old Saybrook by Woody Allen at The Mill Studio Jan 7th and 8th. See you all there.
· Party party –Keep your Saturday nights in January free for the Balally New Year Party
· Visit to the New Grand Canal Theatre, Saturday January 23rd at 2pm. All Welcome. It’s Amazing! 2012 seats.
· Rehearsals, set building, costume, publicity and performance of ‘The Plough & The Stars’ for February 2nd.
· Discussion and pre planning for the All Ireland One-Act Finals in December
· Workshops on Fencing and Stage Combat for the Summer Shakespeare.
· New Directors Showcase—auditions for short pieces put forward by some exciting directors
· Valentines Day— get ready for readings for Shakespeare, directed by Karen for Airfield at Mid summer
· Rehearsals for Balally piece in ‘A Night To Remember’ at the Mill- Sunday February 28th.
· Late Feb/March—show’s on the road for ‘The Plough’
· Workshops and more workshops and more rehearsals for studio
· Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse….
· Polish by nervous directors for new work with several shows nightly at the Mill
· Shakespearean Dance—a masked ball –more rehearsal!

Geoffrey O’Keeffe Adjudicator….

Geoff has had a mad season, beginning with his appearance in the Noel Coward show in the Teachers, Club, directing new writing—Lost Weekend- at the Axis in Ballymun and starring with Brian Molloy in Pat Burkes production of A Whistle in the Dark’….and to top it all, getting his first adjudication gigs. Congratulations Geoff and come home soon !

Don’t forget—to keep up to date with what’s happening, visit our website at www.balallyplayers.com

Extracts from the Newsletter - full details and pictures are in the PDF version (link above).

Summer 2009 Issue

First Up in August 2009 (20th—26th) is the trip to Monaco to represent Ireland at the World Mondial Du Theatre. Best Wishes to Gary Wall, Hilary Madigan, Geoffrey O’Keeffe and crew. Anybody who hasn’t yet decided on their summer holiday might like to join those traveling— email Gary on gwgwgw@hotmail.com

September 7th: rehearsals begin for ‘Many Young Men’
September: Play Readings with Tony McGettigan
September:One-Act Readings
October: Airfield Auditions Teresa Dempsey
October 29th—31st Dundrum One-Act Festival: Jean Monahan
Nov 9th: Mill Theatre ‘Many Young Men of Twenty’
December: Christmas at Airfield-
January 2010 Bray One-Act Festival
February 1st: The Plough & The Stars’ at the Mill Theatre
February/March: Developing New Talent: Emerging Directors and Techies Showcase
March 1st: Outdoor Production for Airfield– Readings.
April—June: Studio Scenes Outdoor Airfield Gardens

NEW SEASON NEWS:
WHATS IN STORE FOR YOU IN 2009/10
June 09
THE MILL 29TH & 30TH JUNE…..
READINGS FOR BOTH FULL LENGTH PLAYS: • MANY YOUNG MEN OF TWENTY • THE PLOUGH & THE STARS • 8.00p.m. All Welcome

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN DEVELOPING YOUR TALENT AS A DIRECTOR? OR AS A TECHIE?THEN LET US KNOW ABOUT I T . NEW MENTOR SCHEME. TALK TO JOANNE ON 0877977067

COMMITTEE 2009 / 2010
Chair: Joanne Keane
Hon. Treasurer: Tony McGettigan
Hon Sec. Karen Carleton
Members: Teresa Dempsey, Jacqueline Dooley, Peter
Flood, Jean Monahan, Len Nealon.

Happy Holidays to All

Wanted….
Production Managers For each show...Ask Muriel or Niamh what its about. . and contact the directors. BALALLY MOBILE:087-694 4088

Membership Fee due now: 40 euro for the year. Concession for students and unemployed. Tony McGettigan at 087 138

A Word from Geoff…..Outgoing Chairperson’s Address

As we now approach the end of yet another successful year in Balally Players, it has been a great honour to serve as your Chairperson. It has been a year of excitement, growth and artistic triumph. It has been a year of hard work that brought its own particular set of challenges. It has been a year of changes, both to our artistic programming and to the aministration of our productions. Change is inevetable and while there is always the temptation to resist change, life never stays still. We empower ourselves when we take charge of change. We learn, we grow and we become richer for this.

My work as Chairperson over the year has been both rewarding and stimulating, due in no small part to the huge and generous contributions of your committee. Each one has played a part in ensuring that Balally Players stays on top of its game, both on and off the stage. To Tony, Karen, Jean, Teresa, Muriel, Joanne, Gary and Judy I thank you for your unwavering support. I also congratulate Pat Hand, Declan Brennan and Len Nealon for their invaluable work

Last year I spoke of the need for more on the ground support for Directors of major productions. I am glad to report that this materialised and we are indebted to Muriel Caslin O’ Hagan and Niamh Daly for the invaluable work they did in their roles as production manager for The Great Hunger and How the Other Half Loves. I also asked us to consider that our artistic schedule at the time, in some ways had us ‘locked in’ and didn’t necessarily allow for new adventures. Despite some natural reservations but with the support of the committee, we entered the RTE Full Length Circuit for the first time. I think the many members who were involved in this journey, will say that despite all the hard work invoved, this was a most rewarding and exciting departure for the group. The door is now wide open for other directors who wish to share their vision with a much wider audience.

I also referred last year to the fact that not all members appeared willing to help out and get stuck in with the more unglamorous tasks associated with a drama group. I think for the most part that this situation has improved and we are seeing new faces becoming the ‘grafters’ within the group. This can only be a good thing and I applaud all those who got stuck in.

There is one area though that still causes me to worry, infact, I would go so far to say that it annoys me greatly, What I refer to is the fact that each year there are a sizeable number of paid up members who do not attend our productions unless they are directly involved in them. It is imperative that we support each production, we are not separate groups, we are one group. I would implore each individual member to do the right thing.

In many ways we are a victim of our own success. The group is widely recognised as one of the premiere amateur companies in the country and each year we are atracting more and more members. It becomes increasingly difficult to facilitate everyone all of the time. Individuals join Drama groups for different reasons, for some it’s a break from the routine of work, for others it’s a social outlet, for others its a stepping stone to other things and then for some its a passion.There are many passionate people in this group and this is what I think sets Balally Players apart., Our passion makes us strive for excellence, it makes us take risks, it makes us give 100%. I wonder did Jean and Karen ever envisage the critical success that the group has achieved, when they along with others founded the company over 25 years ago? I wonder did Teresa and Doris think that they would be in for the long haul when they joined the group a year after its inception? It is the vision of these people and the very many more who have contributed to the group with a passion, that has created an environment where we feel enabled and confident to push the boundaries of amateur theatre.

My two years as Chairperson have had many personal highlights and I hope that in some way I have fostered a spirit of adventure, welcoming the challenge of the new and unexplored and the need to constantly push ourselves. I don’t measure our succes by the money in the bank, the members in the books or the bums on seats, I measure it through the quality of the work that we produce. It is work that I am very proud to be associated with. I feel that in these two years I have given lot to Balally but got back so much in return. But, as I said earlier life does not stand still and we must embrace change. New challenges for me mean that I will not be in a position to put myself forward again as Chairperson and we now need some one else to step up to the mark and lead the group forward. Someone else who will embrace the challenges that lie ahead.

I wish to thank everyone who has given me their support, guidance and friendship through out the last two years. I wish the incoming Chairperson the best of luck, we have achieved so much in Balally Players, but there will be new goals and new challenges and this is how it should be. Embrace these challenges and lead the changes that will come, in doing so this group will continue to grow and excel.

Thank you.
Geoffrey O’Keeffe

Don’t forget—to keep up to date with what’s happening, visit our website at www.balallyplayers.com

Edited version of the Newsletter - full details and pictures are in the PDF version (link above).

The Great Hunger & The All Ireland - Text Best Wishes
Why not text your best wishes to your friends in the cast for Wednesday night…
May 6th when they appear in the Dean Crowe Hall, Athlone in the All Ireland Finals..
And again on Monday May 11th when they appear in the Ulster Finals ...
And even if you don’t know all of them that well, just make sure you wish a cast member, crew member or the director well. It’s important to let them know how proud we are of their achievement.

A great night and all were welcome to the reception held in the studio to congratulate the Great Hunger team. The champagne (!!) was flowing, the food was plentiful and cast, crew and ballallyers were in flying form..having had two seconds and a third going into the final two performances, expectations were low for the All Ireland but two wins in Newry and Carrickmore made all the difference...pics available later…..

Workshops
The upcoming workshops will we hope be held in Dom Marmion House in Dundrum. The Committee are in the course of finalizing arrangements. Each Wednesday workshop will begin at 7.30 with a cup of tea/coffee and end around 10p.m. There is a small charge of €5 per paid up member. Those who haven’t paid up this year will be welcome at a fee of €10 per session. Very good value indeed and supported by Balally Players. The Drama League of Ireland will supply the best of professional tutors for two of these workshops.
To make sure you have a place, call Joanne at 087797 7067 or Karen at 087 670 1252. Come along and enjoy..Oh and if you would like to audition for the next production, it might be advisable to attend that particular workshop. Why not all three?

Wednesday May 20th
‘Inhabiting The Character’
Internalizing.. what does it mean? Being Truthful..Making your character believable? How do you do that? This is a must do workshop for all actors.

Wednesday May 27th
What Style Are We Playing?
Where’s the line between tragedy and drama, between high comedy and farce, between naturalism and heightened playing ... and then there’s surrealism
A fun evening for all….

Wednesday June 3rd
‘The Plough & The Stars’
This workshop will be led by Gary Wall whose production of the ‘Plough & The Stars’ will be cast in early September for a performance date in late
January in The Mill Theatre

WHAT.. NO SHAKESPEARE??
For the first time in five years, we are guaranteed a great week’s weather in mid June. That’s because every other June it rained on Airfield at 9.00p.m. This year it will probably be sunshine all the way!

The first Shakespeare play in Airfield Gardens was ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ in June 2001. Since then, around midsummer, we have presented the bard’s best comedies to very appreciative audiences. This year, we were in a difficult situation as many of our actors were tied up in the All Ireland and Karen was directing for The Mill until early April. Shakespeare needs at least 12 weeks rehearsal. What to do? The committee discussed various options but none of them were fully satisfactory. It’s disappointing, particularly for actors who were looking forward to having a role at the end of the year. It’s also a shame to break the tradition even for one year but in some ways, it’s a victim of the group’s success. In 2010...More Shakespeare!

Congratulations to Niamh Holland who won her scholarship to the DLI Summer School at Cavan Festival. Well Done. The Committee has awarded this year’s
Balally summer school scholarship to Matt Powell. Matt was instrumental in putting the set for the Great Hunger together with Pat Hand...the dynamic duo!
Congratulations to both

Planning Day
Your committee will meet for a planning day on Saturday June 6th. All suggestions and ideas for the next season or two or three, please text to Geoffrey at 087 993 6307

AGM
The date for this year's AGM is WEDNESDAY JUNE 17TH.

Balally Players Summer Outing
So its off on a bus trip..our day out..this year we head north to the beautiful area of Carlingford. So put the date in your diary: Saturday May 23rd. Contact Teresa at 0851125882

Message from The Mill
The Board of The Mill Theatre gratefully acknowledge the support of the members of Balally Players who volunteer for front of house duties once a month. It would not be possible to run the theatre without your help and support. Thank you. New volunteers always welcome. Call Karen on 087 6760 1252

Hard Times
Some of our members have recently been made redundant. Others have simply lost their jobs. We wish them and all of our members a safe passage through this difficult time and hope the future brings new employment and better times.

HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES’ PLAYS TO FULL HOUSES
Tuesday 24th—Saturday 28th March..The Alan Ayckbourn show began rehearsal in late 2008 and set building in February. The show required a complicated setting and it was necessary to build new patio doors and a porch. Looked wonderful! The actors had a mountain to climb in terms of lines and cueing. Four people and sometimes six all speaking together and no cue given directly. Congratulations to the hard graft and experience of the cast and their commitment to the play. The crew,particularly props, had Mount Everest to climb with over 100 pieces of props and three long tables full of stuff. List upon list from Niamh and all brought together by a very disciplined Bernard Doyle. Bernard made everybody hop! It was great to see him back in action. Doris, Jean, Teresa made their own contribution and gave a great sense of security. With twenty people or more from the group out on the circuit, we were blessed with new people:Helen, Lorraine, Aisling, Therese, Yvonne, Stacy and Sarah who all made a great contribution over the rehearsal and the run. Thanks too to Ciaran and Fergal, to Bobby and to all those who helped out. Audiences were fabulous. There’s nothing to match a full house having a ball! The best audience numbers we have had to date. Balally can give itself a pat on the back! i

Team:
Director Karen Carleton. Production Manager Niamh Daly
Stage Manager Bernard Doyle ASM Joanne Keane, Fergal Cleary
Costume Design Dympna Murray
Lighting Design Paul Macken
Sound Declan Brennan
Props
Helen Martin, Lorraine Hedderman, Sarah Cunningham

ALL SET FOR MONACO
Mondial Du Theatre
Will host representatives from 48 companies from different countries.
Hosted by the Studio of Monaco with the support of the Principality of Monaco, this is the 14th International World Festival of Theatre.
Workshops and colloquiums take place daily and three performances take place each evening.

Ireland is represented by Melody from Balally Players, starring Geoffrey O Keeffe and Hilary Madigan, directed by Gary Wall. They will perform on Monday August 24th & Tuesday 25th with India and Peru. The final evening will take place on the terrace of the Casino of Monte Carlo. The Festival Village will be located in the Auditorium Rainier 111. Around 20 members of Balally Players plan to take their summer holiday in Monaco this year. They will be great ambassadors for Ireland. Bon Chance!

Our ‘Hunger’ was well nourished on the festival circuit! - Production Manager's Memoir
As we approach the All-Ireland and the All-Ulster Finals Balally Players may be justly proud of the success of The Great Hunger on the festival circuit. When we started out with this play, way back last year, - seasons ago, little did we think that we could acquit ourselves so well on our first venture into the full-length circuit. The play was a challenging piece to attempt, but we knew we were in capable hands under Geoffrey’s direction. He put together a team of players and crew and it was a joy to be involved at every level. We worked hard, and we also managed to play hard here and there too!

The audition process was a revelation in itself. The contenders were required to do all sorts of unspeakable contortions! I think some were terrified to appear at the second round, wondering what kind of extraordinary performance this was going to produce! Nevertheless, a cast and crew were chosen and rehearsals got under way. We examined the script - such as it was, drilled to find some understanding of what the play was about and finally began to see Geoff’s vision for this amazing piece of theatre. When it came to the set design discussions, I began to have a sinking feeling of being way out of my depth, but listening to those two artists Geoff and Gerard hammering out creative ideas was an eye opener for me. Then of course, we had to source the materials and props e.g. galvanise, tabernacle, mother-effigy, sturdy gate, rusty bath, buckets, horse collar etc. etc. not to mention the earth/muck for the stage, all very glamorous, I don’t think! This was a dirty play! Undaunted, our Stage Manager Pat mysteriously produced the goods. Night after night, he quietly arrived to rehearsal with more ‘stuff’. He is a miracle worker! He and ASM Orla ensured that each show ran on oiled wheels.

The Great Hunger is not a play that appeals to all audiences, but we were well satisfied with the support for and feedback from the run at the Mill. And so it was decided to plunge into the full-length circuit. We competed in six festivals, which in itself was an achievement. Usually groups who are new to the full-length circuit find it hard to be accepted into festivals at all. But Balally Players’ well-earned reputation preceded them and opened doors. We achieved what we set out to do, i.e. qualify for Athlone. Our success is well documented on the website. The spread of awards over the cast and crew is testament to the standard of ensemble work. Acting, lighting, sound, costuming, make-up etc were of the highest standard, but my award goes to everybody who so willingly helped with set construction and more importantly set strike - sweeping up that muck was some challenge! It was a team effort all the way and everybody gave unstintingly to the success of the project. But most of all we had the ‘craic’! We had sing-songs into the small hours but of course ’what goes on tour stays on tour’!!

No matter what the outcome from Athlone or Armagh, this has been a journey we will never forget. We have done well for the group. Go Balally Players!!

Muriel

Why not put your name forward for committee 2009-2010?
Outgoing Committee
Chair: Geoffrey O’Keeffe. Treasurer: Tony McGettigan. Secretary: Karen Carleton. Festival Director: Jean Monahan, Social Committee; Teresa Dempsey, Judy McKeever; Members: Wes Scully, Gary Wall, Joanne Keane, Muriel Caslin O’Hagan, Deirdre Ni Ghriofa

Don’t forget—to keep up to date with what’s happening, visit our website at www.balallyplayers.com

Recent Events
Hi Folks!  Well everything has gone very well recently.  Happy Birthday Dear Alice went like a dream and we got excellent feed-back - well done to Jean Monaghan who directed.   The Moon Cut Like a Sickle turned into a lovely show with lovely young people (great fun working with them) and even the outdoor version in Cabinteely Park worked very well despite last minute rush to Dunne’s Stores to  buy sheets and “pink pants” (don’t ask) needed as props.  Well done to Oran Ó Rua for his directorial debut with this.  I’m sure it won’t be his last.

Our 25th anniversary night / Christmas party karaoke night in the Dropping Well went very well indeed and it was enjoyed by all. 

Coming Shortly
Next week – June 5th, 6th and 7th (Thurs. Fri. & Sat.) we’re having our Studio Scenes, which we’ve called “Bit of a Laugh”, in (where else) The Mill Studio.  There will be 5 short plays (well, some a bit longer than others) and we want your bums there sitting on seats.  The plays will be directed by Gary Wall and Jean Monaghan, so you know they’ll be good, and myself jumping in at the deep end with 2 little items.  

Our two All-Ireland award winners are having an outing on Thursday 19th June in The Mill.  These are “Melody”, directed by Gary Wall, which won in 2006 and “Riders to the Sea”, directed by Geoffrey O’Keeffe, which won in 2007 (I know you’ve heard all this before, but I think we’re entitled to crow a bit).  There are some of you who haven’t seen these plays so we’ve decided to have a sort of and event night/Gala night (well, a glass of wine or two) to once more celebrate our wins.  This is just a one-off, so do your best to come and tell your friends also. 

This will be followed by our annual Shakespeare event, “As You Like It”, directed by Karen Carleton, in Airfield on w/e of 21, 22, 23 June.   Always a good show, despite rainy weather some years, but we’ll be doing a sun-dance in anticipation.  We’re also staging this for one night in The Mill.  Unfortunately, I’ve forgotten the exact date, but more of this anon.

Summer School in Limerick University
Now, this year we’re going to award a full scholarship for the Summer School in Limerick University, from July 19 – 26th.  Some of us are going anyway (and you can cadge a lift) but if you’d like to apply, please use the application form enclosed (see link to PDF file above)and return it the secretary Doris Cullen, 7 Millmount Grove, Windy Arbour, Dublin 14 or email it to her at before 18th June - note that you must be over 18 yrs.  We’d particularly like some of our younger members from The Moon Cut Like A Sickle to apply, bearing in mind the age limitation.  It’s a great week and a great opportunity to really learn about acting.

Annual General Meeting
Take note that the AGM will be in St. Olaf’s GAA club (official address is Stillorgan Industrial Park, but it’s more the Sandyford side of it) on Wed. 2nd July at 8 o’clock.  Please come along to this.  Think about standing for the committee, or nominating someone.  You must be a member for at least one year before being an ordinary committee member and 3 years (or is it 4?) for the position of Secretary, Treasurer or Chairman.   New blood is required.  See forms included with this newsletter (see link to PDF file above).

Condolences
At this point we’d like to offer our condolences to both Len Nealon on the recent death of his mother and to Teresa Dempsey on the recent sad passing of her sister.  Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anaimneacha.

Doris Cullen

Secretary

Don’t forget—to keep up to date with what’s happening, visit our website at www.balallyplayers.com

SPRING 2008

'At The Black Pig’s Dyke' has come and gone already. It was a great success and we’re looking forward to our next production 'Happy Birthday Dear Alice' on 26, 27, 28, 29 March in The Mill. Jean Monaghan is directing this one; Margaret Twomey, Jack Kelly, Oran O’Rua, Judy McKeever, Hilary Madigan, and Dave Foley are the stars, Dympna Murray is designing the set, Patrick Hand is stage manager, I’m in there as well, also Caroline Williams and Teresa Dempsey, but there will be need for others to “row in” so to speak. This one’s a comedy (well, at least nobody dies in the end). Have you noticed all our recent plays ended in someone’s death?

Oran O’Rua is directing 'The Moon Cut Like A Sickle' in April. This will be for our younger people. Don’t know what it’s about at this stage (is it another tragedy – do they die in the end?). It will be on in the Mill Studio for 5 nights.

After that we’ll have Gary Wall producing scenes, again for The Studio by way of an in-house production. He’ll be looking for directors for this, indeed there are one or two already in line.

After that we’ll be into Shakespeare territory. This year, it’s to be 'Romeo and Juliet' (another tragedy – they die in the end!!). Karen will be directing this for our annual outdoor production in Airfield in mid-June. Casting etc. later on.

The Christmas Party!!!!! How come, we always find it so hard to have a party at the festive season? Anyway, again, it’s to be in the Spring. We’re hoping to have a karaoke night. If you remember, the last one a few years ago, was great fun. I know once I start, you can’t get me off the floor ( I don’t care if I’m a rubbish singer). Anyway, we’re (that is, the committee) doing our damnedest to try and organise this. And rumour tells me that we might even have a summer BBQ as well. With this in mind, keep April 12th in mind (not 5th), we’re trying to organise something for that night.

Congratulations to our lovely Wes Scully for his production at the Bray One-Act Festival. He directed 'One For The Road' (another tragedy!) by Harold Pinter and came away with the Adjudicator’s Award for Best Director. Paul Sharpe got Best Supporting Actor award and Anna O’Duffy was awarded a Certificate of merit. All in all, a great achievement. They’ll be heading off to the Isle of Man for a drama festival there last weekend in February and we wish them all the best of luck.

At this stage, everyone must know of our great win at the All-Ireland 1-Act Drama Festival in West Cork. We won again for the second year in a row (never been done before in the approx. 50 years of the DLI and we should feel very proud of such an achievement, 'Riders To The Sea' (a tragedy) directed by our Chairman, Geoffrey O’Keeffe and last year it was Gary Wall directing 'Melody' (a comedy). So, we’re putting these two plays on for one night only, as a way of celebrating and so that people can come and see them. A date hasn’t been set yet, but you’ll be informed. It’ll be soon though.

While Wes and crew are heading off to the Isle of Man, some of us are going to London for a weekend on 22 February as part of our 25th anniversary celebrations. We’ll be seeing a show called “Wicked” and perhaps one or two others as well. So looking forward that, of course. For anyone not involved, we’re hoping to have play readings. This has been “on the menu” so to speak for years, but the major problem is a space. However, we’ll see how it works out.

In the meantime, hope to see you all very soon (for our Christmas Party, ha! ha!).

Doris Cullen
Secretary

Don’t forget—to keep up to date with what’s happening, visit our website at www.balallyplayers.com

We’re after having a great year, don’t you agree? As this year, 2007/2008, is our 25th anniversary, we’re hoping for great things, but more of this later.

There are eight Balally Players off to Limerick University this year doing various courses and generally expecting to have a good time, also, of course, learning something along the way (how to look after/destroy your liver, for one thing).  This should set us up nicely for the forthcoming year. 

                                                  
Open Night
We’re starting off with our Open Night, on WEDNESDAY 29TH AUGUST in THE MILL (you can take the time as 8.15pm).  We have one of the rehearsal rooms booked for that night and a little bird told me that there might be a glass of wine or two available.  Don’t forget to tell your friends about us, they might like to join as well.  It only costs €2 for the evening in the town centre car park. God be with the days when Jean Monahan’s deadly punch was available - sadly on account of drinking laws and because we’d like to keep our members alive, no longer possible. 

Annual Subscription
Our annual subscription is still €40 which covers insurance, so don’t forget to pay up with a smile - cheap at the price.
 
One-Act Festival
Geoffrey O’Keeffe is going to direct the One-Act for the festival circuit end of October this year.  He has a few plays in mind and will make a decision about which one later.  Readings are going to be held on Open Night.

We’d like to have more than one play on the circuit.  Would anyone be interested in directing? It’s a very rewarding job. Please let Geoff or anyone on the committee know if you feel you could do this. It’s great craic on the circuit. Also, the Bray Festival will be on, usually at the end of January – we’re looking for someone to direct a One-Act for this. 
                                                                            
Christmas at Airfield
Our “Christmas at Airfield” takes place as usual around 2nd week in December (dates to be confirmed).  Would anyone like to direct this?  It’s really a matter of co-ordinating everything and of course, there would be lots and lots of help and backing available.  It’s best to start gathering/coordinating things from September though.   For various reasons, the usual suspects are unable to take this on fully this year.  As you know, this is always a very successful venture and almost sells itself. 

Dundrum Festival
After our great success at running the Dundrum Festival, we’re doing it again this November.  I believe we already have two entrants, and we’ll be advertising at Summer School in Limerick.  We were going to have a special committee, but the Festival Director, Jean Monahan, feels that the regular committee, with the help of volunteers, should be more than enough.  We’ll be looking for people to act as minders and others to help with food etc, etc.   I know we’ll get plenty of volunteers.

Other plans
After Xmas, January or thereabouts, Karen Carleton will be directing a 3-Act.  She has a couple of nice plays in mind, but will decide finally later, so I’ll keep schtum about it for the moment. 

Jean Monahan, following her great success with “Bog of Cats”, would like to direct again in the Spring. She has one or two plays in mind also and although I’ve heard a rumour, it will be finalised after the Dundrum Festival is over.

If you’d like to direct but would first like to cut your teeth on it, no better opportunity than to direct a scene from a play.  We did this very successfully last year – remember the space in The Mill?  There would be plenty of help and assistance available so would-be directors, think about this. 

Summer Shakespeare
Next Summer will come around sooner than you think, so Karen Carleton has already decided on directing our outdoor Shakespeare – this is to be “As You Like It” - won’t be cast for ages though.

25th Anniversary
2007/2008 is our 25th anniversary year and we’d like to do something extra special.  Taking our Shakespeare “down the country” is one idea; another is a theatre trip to London (yeah!) in the Spring.  We might be able to fit it in – it’s a busy, busy year already and there are workshops and things that haven’t even been mentioned yet.

St Tiernan’s
Of course, we’ll be back in Tiernan’s as usual from September. ( St. Tiernan’s Community School, Parkvale, Dundrum. http://www.iol.ie/~tiernans/ )

Don’t forget OPEN NIGHT, 29TH AUGUST 2007 IN THE MILL (note – not the main theatre auditorium, but we’ll be putting up directions).

DORIS.

Don’t forget—to keep up to date with what’s happening, visit our website at www.balallyplayers.com

Balally Players Dates at the Mill Theatre
Balally dates at the Mill Theatre for next seasons:
AUTUMN 2007. Oct 21st –27th
SPRING 2008 March 31st - April 5th
AUTUMN 2008 Nov 3rd—8th
SPRING 2009 TBA

Celebrate
Thirty five Balally members came to Mao in Dundrum town centre to celebrate together an amazing year. The food was spicy, the wine flowed and a good time was had by all. For copies of some happy faces, contact Karen. Susie Nix, Sally Anne Doddy and Ciara O’Byrne (left) and Jean Monahan with Judy McKeever...more on our website: www.balallyplayers.com

Storage
Container news..Container News…Container News….After long threatening, the container has been repaired. It now boasts a new felt roof, stone cladding, 13 air vents, oiled door, gravel path to door, gravel turnaround for parking. New flats made by Brian D and Paddy F rest in clean dry airy conditions...all old mouldy stuff gone!

Recent Productions
Eithne Quinn and John Canning appeard in ‘Watchdog’and at the Bray Festival in January, ‘Forward to the Right’ (directed by Lorcan Dunne) Declan Brennan was nominated for Best Actor and Carol Hayes received the cup for Most Promising Young Actor.

'Out of Order, Minister' is a smash hit!
Congratulations to Kevin Fahey, Cast and Crew of ‘Out of Order, Minister’ which had a fabulous week at the Mill Theatre last month, doing 90% at the Box Office and leaving patrons in a very happy mood indeed. For a short snippet of the video follow the link: http:// video.google.com/videoplay? docid=8923484601071211750.. Well done to Brian Molloy whose 700 lines flowed smoothly and to Francis Cahill in his first starring role...a sweaty masterpiece requiring several nightly changes of shirt. Biggest belly laugh came for Len Nealon in his fishnets and pink tutu…. but no more bouquets...every member of the cast performed in a superb ensemble. Thanks to crew and to Karen and Gary for

Love and Vengeance in the Studio
More great audience reaction for the scene studies and short plays at the Mill Theatre Studio from March ..a pleasure to see John Canning in a good role and to watch the new talents of Eithne, Izzy, Jackie, Audrey and Mags. Lovely to see Teresa Dempsey on stage performing and who can forget the ‘Earnest’ twins, Ruth and Karina. You will probably never see Karina in pink high heels again. Thanks to Oran for sound, Tony McGettigan for handsome buttling and Orla for s.m..

READINGS FOR SUMMER SHAKESPEARE
at Lamb Doyles 11th and 12th April. The Shakespeare will be ‘Twelfth Night’ and will perform at Airfield Gardens from June 27th and July 13th at Elm Park

SPEAKING SHAKESPEARE
Workshop for All. Tuesday April 24th at The Mill Studio. 8.00p.m. sharp. Contribution €5. Tutor Tony Rushforth, M.A. ADA.GODA

'By the Bog of Cats'
Directed by Jean Monahan Featuring Jim Carroll, Doris Cullen, Peter Flood, Claire Reilly, Muriel Caslin O’Hagan, Geoff O Keefe, Margaret Twomey, Rob Duff.

OUTDOOR AT CABINTEELY PARK
Saturday Afternoon May 12th: Much Ado About Nothing ( 35 mins) Sunday Afternoon May 20th : Melody.

Bog of Cats, Wildcatz and more … !
Jean Says…….The Bog of Cats is a powerful drama and deserves the best audience we can muster so please support the cast and company. Thanks to everybody for the co-operation and help, particularly to Dympna Murray for set and costume design. Everybodywill get some posters and flyers in the post to send along to family, friends and strangers. Drama is not an easy sell at the theatre, particularly when Philadelphia and Sive have preceded the Bog of Cats in April so we must pull out all the stops. Performances are from Wednesday April 25th to Saturday April 28th. It’s a great show with a very large cast and you will not be disappointed.

Gary Says….Wildcatz the company I run with Ger O'Shea is hoping to put on David Mamet’s ‘Boston Marriage’ in the Mill this summer…hard luck Karen, I know you like it. ...Anyway, if there is anyone particularly interested in.

Ciara Says...The AGM will soon be upon us and it’s time to think about joining the new Committee. This years committee was just 7 people and when you consider there are around 70 members in Balally, its just not enough. How many shows? 4 full length, 2 one-acts, one an All Ireland Winner, a showcase in the studio, Christmas at Airfield, a Celebration Dinner and all the other extras...So please think of putting something back into the group and letting your name go forward for 2007 –2008.

Karen Says… Brush Up Your Shakespeare.. Even if you are experienced member of the Shakespeare troupe, there is always something new to learn. If you hope to appear in this years show or in a future Shakespeare, then the course on ‘Speaking Shakespeare’ on Tuesday 24th is essential. It’s fun, it’s all voice and verse and it will give you the confidence to phrase the lines in the dreaded iambic pentameter.. 8.00p.m. sharp. Tony Rushforth is the tutor. He is adjudicating the All Ireland Finals at New Ross and will be on his way back from there. Thanks to Dympna for putting him up. Look forward to seeing you all there. Finish at 10p.m. Time for one in the Dundrum House!

2007 –2008… SHOWTIME !!
Chairperson Ciara would like those who hope to direct in the next season to bring along their proposals to the AGM...so If you want to take the 3 Act slot in October or if you would like to propose a play for the Circuit or Bray or if you would like to produce Christmas at Airfield or work in the Mill Studio, put your proposals to Ciara prior to the AGM and they will come up for discussion.

Happy Birthday to The Mill
On May 4th 2006,‘Our Town’ opened the Mill Theatre starring many Balally talents, particularly Declan Brennan. Plans to celebrate the Mill’s 1st Birthday are being made and you may be asked to perform in the Square….more anon..

Don’t forget—to keep up to date with what’s happening, visit our website at www.balallyplayers.com

All Ireland Win for Balally Players
At the All Ireland Finals, held at Carrickmore Co Tyrone on the first weekend in December, Balally Players took first place in the Open Competition, winning The All Ireland One-Act Finals with a wonderful production of Melody by Deirdre Kinahan. Directed by Gary Wall the play featured best actress Hilary Madigan as Kathleen and best actor Geoffrey O Keefe, in the role of William. Stage Manager was Pat Hand and the excellent soundscape was designed by Oran O Rua. Costume and Make-Up was by Jean Monahan. Having won four of the five festivals in which they had participated during the knock out stages of the competition, hopes were high that adjudicator Tom Doherty would award the coveted first place to Balally. It was nail biting stuff and when the adjudicator awarded both Geoffrey and Hilary Awards for quality performances, we knew we had a chance. What a celebration when the results were announced, cheers and tears. Chairperson Ciara O Byrne was there as were Kevin & Antoinette, Judy McKeever and the Madigans. Karen was on stage praying that we didn’t come second yet again. The Nationwide team were present and some of the feeling of euphoria was captured in the coverage on RTE on Wednesday December 13th. Gary looked splendid, tall and handsome and smiling taking his award on stage.

First Drama Festival at the Mill Theatre
Balally this season was the successful running of a one-act festival at the Mill Theatre November 1st—3rd. It was a lot of very hard work for Festival Director Jean Monahan and her committee. It was successful because so many of the group came through with help– everything from meeting the groups, helping them through their performance, stage management, time keeping, catering and cleaning. Special mention to some: Dympna Murray who provided accommodation for the Adjudicator, Pat Monahan who drove him to the airport, Karina Stefans who designed the logo and the programme – so many of the group who gave their time and talents –and especially Jean, who was tireless in her efforts to make it all run smoothly—and at the end to find that her bouquet was taken home by a visiting actress! The Open competition was won by our friends at Taney with Sinead Donovan taking Best Actress. Congratulations to all.

'Cripple' does the business at the Mill
A superb performance from the cast of the Cripple of Inishmaan—Oran O Rua, Peter Flood, Mary Ryan, Anne Lucas, Judy McKeever, Francis Cahill, Tony McGettigan, Robert Duff and Doris Cullen ensured that the first Balally performance at the Mill was of a really high professional standard. Director was Karen Carleton. The setting was exceptional – built by Brian Dempsey and enhanced by Geoffrey O Keefe -thanks to all the group members who painted and distressed it. Karen found the currach in Tyrone and collected it by car. Paul Macken’s lighting was his best to date—very evocative. The sound with newcomer Catherine Steel was always pin point and at the right level. Welcome back to Michael Kennedy in stage management and to Carol Hayes as a newbie..more of Carol later. Jean Monahan was stage manager..full houses every night. Congratulations everybody.

Gossip... Gossip...
So Doris Cullen has retired.. or has she? At the party for the All Ireland win at Dundrum House, Doris was serenaded with Happy Birthday but she may yet return to work in a part-time capacity….. Anne Lucas and Paul Sharpe made a very striking couple in Taney’s panto...Anne doing the striking of course...Emperor and Empress of China...Worn out after all his All Ireland exertions, Gary hasn’t been feeling good. Get we l l s o o n Gary…..We hear Antoinette Fahey has been promoted in work..again! Geoffrey O Keefe best actor extraordinaire on the circuit was able to use his role as William for his final year MA acting piece– way to go, Geoff...Screams coming from the rehearsal room of Lorcan Dunne's are those of Carol Hayes whom Declan (in character of course) seems intent on strangling...the screams from Oatlands are from first time director what do you mean you’re going to be late Kevin Fahey...Gerry Doyle is on his way to Thailand for another 3 months. If you are wondering where our Christmas / New Years party went to—well, rumour has it that it will be in The Goat , Kilmacud with karaoke, featuring our girls groups..who? Anyway, the date is being set shortly...just waiting for Ruth to have a breather between events –that’s what Ruth does, organise events...perhaps we can ask Bernard to reprise his role in The Sailor from Ringsend...if you didn’t catch it in Airfield, you missed a beaut.

Great success with Christmas at Airfield
Twenty six performers at Airfield put on a wonderful show, full of music, laughter, song and nostalgia. Full houses every night for four nights, Congratulations to Mary Ryan and Margaret Twomey with their team for a very successful Christmas e n t e r t a i n m e n t . Mulled wine and mince pies galore and a crew from the group on front of house meant that the audience were well looked after and left in happy mood. Mrs Overend a k a Te r e s a Dempsey gave all a warm welcome and sang to accompaniment. The music was provided by a delightful man John Breheny. Other guests included sopranos Linda Nolan and Siobhan Doyle, harpist Ann O Dea, and the OBroin sisters, violinists. Louise Holst was the wonderful 12 year old soloist. Congratulations to all...thanks for the fun.

Workshops
The voice workshop has been deferred to later in the month. If you would like a workshop on any particular facet of drama, please let your committee member know.

'Out of Order Minister'
Rehearsals continue in Oatlands for our next production which is ‘Out of Order Minister’. This high voltage comedy is directed by Kevin Fahey and features Francis Cahill, Jim Carroll, Sally Anne Doddy, Brian Molloy, Len Nealon, Susie Nix, Ciara O Byrne, Niall O Kennedy, Margaret.Twomey and David Walshe. The Set is being built by Paddy Feehan— welcome back Paddy!

'By the Bog of Cats'
For her first production for the Mill, Jean Monahan has chosen this dark and dramatic story by Marina Carr. Among those whispered to have a role are Geoffrey O Keefe, Pat O Malley, Peter Flood, Jacqueline Dooley, Claire O Reilly, Margaret Twomey, Doris Cullen, Muriel Caslin O Hagan Tony McGettigan

Support our show in Bray
Please travel to the Mermaid Arts Centre in Bray on Saturday 27 January and support ‘Forward to the Right’ the Balally entry. Directed by Lorcan Dunne and featuring Declan Brennan and Carol Hayes, this is the fist play of the evening and starts at 7:30pm. Booking is essential.

Membership Fees
If you have not paid up yet, get your 40 euro to Balally Treasurer, 37 Dun Emer Drive, Dundrum, Dublin 16

Dates to remember
January, Saturday 27th - Bray Festival
March 7th-10th ‘Out of Order Minister’
April 5th-7th Studio Performances
April 25th-28th ‘By the Bog of Cats’

Karen to direct for studio performances
Only those who have not had a role since September are asked to come along to talk to Karen about acting in the studio performances scheduled for later in the Spring. These are not auditions or readings in the normal sense but the opportunity to find a role to fulfill each actor. Performances are built into a series of drama evenings over two weeks. So if you have not had an acting role since September and want to act and work with one of our most experienced directors, come along to Tiernans on Wednesday 17th and Wednesday 25th. For more information, text Karen on 087 670 12 52 for a chat. Each actor will have challenges presented according to their level of experience—so come on, stretch yourself this spring.

Another successful year for Balally Players
What a busy year it has been for Balally Players! It started in Oct with the One Act Festival entry ‘Home Free’ by Langford Wilson touring the country, ably directed by Geoffrey O’Keefe, which was followed by an excellent production of ‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’ by Martin McDonagh directed by Karen Carleton in Lamb Doyles 21st – 24th Nov. The ever popular ‘Christmas at Airfield’ was directed this year by Mary Ryan, Margaret Toomey, Teresa Dempsey and Doris Cullen. The new year saw ‘Top Girls’ by Caryl Churchill in The Tallaght Theatre 24th – 28th Jan where Gary Wall directed an all female cast and lived to tell the tale (mind you he’s not telling much!). The same week ‘Mr Nobody’ by Patrick Greaney played in The Bray One Act Festival, marking Teresa Dempsey’s directorial debut. After all that we had a very sociable ‘Christmas’ do in Beauford Mews Restaurant.

All who attended enjoyed the acting workshops that were put on in Lamb Doyles and St Tiernans. Claire Reilly ran the first one on 14th Sept. Ciara O’Byrne held one on 8th Feb. With the welcome assistance of a DLI grant we got professional tutor Chrissie Poulter on 22nd Feb who showed us Stanislavsky techniques in ‘Characterisation and Position’, and Cathal Quinn, voice coach at The Gaiety School of Acting on 8th Mar who guided us in ‘Speaking Shakespeare’.

Next on the programme was the play ‘Our Town’ by Thornton Wilder which opened The Mill Theatre, Dundrum on 4th May and ran from 5th to 13th May featuring many fine Balally Players actors. The productions during the year would not have been possible without the assistance of all those doing the often thankless backstage and stage managers jobs… so thanks to all of you. Great work was done behind the scenes by Jean Monahan and Pat Hand.

We are now looking forward to Shakespeare’s comedy ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’ in the magical setting of Airfield Gardens.

‘The Merry Wives of Windsor ’ in Airfield Gardens 27th to 30th June
Please note that our annual outdoor Shakespearean production will be on a week later than usual. Balally Players, directed by Karen Carleton, will perform ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’, a merry romp, from Tue 27th to Fri 30th June in Airfield Gardens, Dundrum. Tickets €12, Concessions €10. For bookings please contact Jean 01-2956015.

We have also been invited to perform in The Sylvan Theatre, Kilruddery Gardens on 1st July, Elm Park Golf Club, Donnybrook on 8th July and Centre Stage Summer Festival, Cabinteely Park on 16th July. If you would like to be involved backstage with the production please contact Jean at 01-2956015.

The atmosphere is one of carnival, and both music and the light-hearted jostle of diverse comic roles add to the sense that this is a festive comedy of types. Sir John Falstaff, a knight down on both luck and cash, hatches a scheme to raise funds. He will seduce Mistress Ford and Mistress Page in an attempt to get at their husbands' money. Falstaff, however, has overestimated his ingenuity; the two women compare their letters, and—finding them identical—hatch a plan of their own!

AGM
The Balally Players Annual General Meeting will take place at 8pm, upstairs in Lamb Doyles on Wed 12th July. Please fill in the enclosed form if you would like to make a nomination for the incoming committee. Postal votes should be returned to Joanne (see form for address) by Mon 3rd July. Do let a member of the current committee know if are interested in being on the incoming committee.

Treasurer’s Report
The Treasury Team has reported that receipts relating to some of this years’ plays are still outstanding despite repeated requests for closure. A deadline of 16th June has been set - and any receipts not submitted to the Treasurer by then will not be refunded!

Grants for DLI Summer School
The winners of the draw for two half scholarships to the DLI summer school are Gary Murphy and Doris Cullen. We hope they enjoy the week in Limerick and pass on the ideas and expertise they gain to us!

Container
Our thanks to Pat Hand who arranged for a welder to fix the holes in the storage container and to the volunteers who helped him tidy it up.

‘Our Town’ in The Mill Theatre
Congratulations to all involved in the production of ‘Our Town’ which was directed by professional director Brian de Salvo. Balally Players members included Declan Brennan, Oran O’Rua, Patrick O’Malley, Muriel Caslin O’Hagan, Bazil Ashmawy, Jacqueline Dooley, Kevin Fahey, Angela Mills, John O’Brien, Jim Carroll, Brendan Dunne, Doris Cullen, Teresa Dempsey, Anne Lucas, Pat Hand, Paul Macken, Tony McGettigan and Gary Wall. The play was opened by President Mary McAleese on Thurs 4th May and played to a full house every night. It was great to see the first play in The Mill Theatre bringing together the five local drama groups showcasing the vibrant talent in the Dundrum area. Special thanks must go to Karen Carleton who not only produced this show but whose forethought and drive helped The Mill Theatre dream become a reality.

The Mill Theatre in Oct
Balally Players is booked into The Mill Theatre to put on a play for the last week in October 06. Who is interested in directing? Proposals for plays are invited from Balally Players directors. Rehearsals would be expected to start in August.

Website
Check out our website www.balallyplayers.com which is updated regularly by our Webmaster, Declan Brennan, with details of Balally Players news and events.

Looking forward to seeing you at ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’ in Airfield Gardens and at the AGM.

All the best from the Committee,

Joanne.

Committee 05/06

Chairman: Ciara O’Byrne
Secretary: Joanne Keane
Treasurer: Judy McKeever

Members: Declan Brennan, Pat Hand, Claire O’Reilly and Deirdre Ward

Our Town
‘Our Town’ Thornton Wilder’s immortal tale of love, marriage, death and daily life, directed by Brian de Salvo is running 2nd to 13th May – the first play on in The Mill Theatre, Dundrum and Balally Players members are delighted to be part of the cast. The theatre will be opened by President Mary McAlese on Thurs 4th May. Winners of tickets to the prestigious Opening Night of ‘Our Town’ are Margaret Blake, Doris Cullen, Leonard Nealon and Jackie Lee. Box Office 01-2969340.

Shakespearean Comedy ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’
Make a note in your diary for next month that our annual outdoor Shakespearean production will be on a week later than usual. Balally Players, directed by Karen Carleton, will perform ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’, a merry romp, from Tue 27th to Fri 30th June in Airfield Gardens, Dundrum. Tickets €12, Concessions €10. We have also been invited to perform in The Sylvan Theatre, Kilruddery Gardens, Elm Park Golf Club, Donnybrook and Centre Stage Summer Festival, Cabinteely Park in July. If you would like to be involved backstage with the production please contact Karen at 087-6701252. For bookings please contact Jean 01-2956015.

What’s On?
Check out our website www.balallyplayers.com which is updated regularly by our Webmaster, Declan Brennan, with details of Balally Players news. Do get in touch if you are interested in getting further details.

Looking forward to seeing you during the year,

All the best,

Joanne

Joanne Keane. (Balally Players Secretary)

Workshops

Come to a Voice workshop ‘Speaking Shakespeare’ be presented by Cathal Quinn (Voice Coach) / Ciara O’Byrne on Wed 8th Mar from 8pm to 9.45pm in St. Tiernan’s Community School, Parkvale, Dundrum. http://www.iol.ie/~tiernans/

Auditions for ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’ Wed 15th & 22nd Mar

Auditions for the Shakespearean Comedy ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’, which will be directed by Karen Carleton, take place on Wed 15th and Wed 22nd March from 8pm to 9.45pm in St. Tiernan’s Community School. Contact Karen at 087-6701255.

Following last year’s very successful production of ‘The Taming of The Shrew’, in the magical setting of Airfield Gardens, Balally Players continue their outdoor summer productions of the Shakespeare comedies with one of his best loved and most popular ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’. This is the only one of Shakespeare’s plays set in England, in Berkshire. The atmosphere is one of carnival, and both music and the light-hearted jostle of diverse comic roles add to the sense that this is a festive comedy of types. It is believed that The Merry Wives of Windsor was first performed between 1600 and 1601. In the Elizabethan era there was a huge demand for new entertainment and The Merry Wives of Windsor was written to amuse and divert.

The quotes from The Merry Wives of Windsor are amongst Shakespeare's most famous including "Why, then the world 's mine oyster" "This is the short and the long of it". (Act II, Scene II). "I cannot tell what the dickens his name is". (Act III, Scene II). "As good luck would have it".

Sir John Falstaff, a knight down on both luck and cash, hatches a scheme to raise funds. He will seduce Mistress Ford and Mistress Page in an attempt to get at their husbands' money. Falstaff, however, has overestimated his ingenuity; the two women compare their letters, and—finding them identical—hatch a plan of their own!

Christmas Do!

A great night was had by all who came on the very sociable Christmas do held this year in the elegant Beaufield Mews Restaurant on Sat 25th Feb. We missed those of you who could not make it and hope you can come on the next night out.

What’s On?

Check out the ‘Calender of Events’ on our website. It is updated regularly by our Webmaster, Declan Brennan. Looking forward to seeing you soon, All the best, Joanne Keane. (Balally Players Secretary)

Workshops
Come to an acting/voice workshop be presented by Cathal Quinn/ Ciara O’Byrne on Wed 8th Mar from 8pm to 9.45pm in St. Tiernan’s Community School, Parkvale, Dundrum. See our website for details and news of forthcoming workshops. Contact Claire at 087-7747724.

Auditions for Shakespearean Comedy ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’
Auditions for ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’, which will be directed by Karen Carleton, will take place on Wed 15th and Wed 22nd March from 8pm to 9.45pm in St. Tiernan’s Community School, Parkvale, Dundrum. http://www.iol.ie/~tiernans/ Contact Karen at 087-6701252. Following last year’s very successful production of ‘The Taming of The Shrew’, in the magical setting of Airfield Gardens, Balally Players continue their outdoor summer productions of the Shakespeare comedies with one of his best loved and most popular ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’. This is the only one of Shakespeare’s plays set in England, in Berkshire. The atmosphere is one of carnival, and both music and the light-hearted jostle of diverse comic roles add to the sense that this is a festive comedy of types. It is believed that The Merry Wives of Windsor was first performed between 1600 and 1601. In the Elizabethan era there was a huge demand for new entertainment and The Merry Wives of Windsor was written to amuse and divert. The quotes from The Merry Wives of Windsor are amongst Shakespeare's most famous including "Why, then the world 's mine oyster" "This is the short and the long of it". (Act II, Scene II). "I cannot tell what the dickens his name is". (Act III, Scene II). "As good luck would have it". Sir John Falstaff, a knight down on both luck and cash, hatches a scheme to raise funds. He will seduce Mistress Ford and Mistress Page in an attempt to get at their husbands' money. Falstaff, however, has overestimated his ingenuity; the two women compare their letters, and—finding them identical—hatch a plan of their own!

What’s On?
Check out the ‘What’s On’ page of our website for details of Balally productions. It is updated regularly by our Webmaster, Declan Brennan. Do get in touch for more information.

Looking forward to seeing you during the year,

All the best,

Joanne

Joanne Keane. (Balally Players Secretary)

Top Girls
Described as a ‘Socialist Feminist Comedy Classic’ our first play of 2006 was ‘Top Girls’ by Caryl Churchill, performed in The Tallaght Theatre, (next to The Cuckoo’s Nest Pub) Thurs 26th to Sat 28th January. Gary Wall directed the all-female cast which included Caroline Harold, Ciara O'Byrne, Mags O'Driscoll, Karina Steffens, Orla Cooney, Susan Stafford, Jacqui Lee, Geraldine Walsh, Hilary Madigan, Ruth Blayney and Audrey Harte.

Bray One Act Drama Festival
Congratulations to Lorcan Dunne, who was awarded a Certificate of Merit, by Adjudicator Imelda McDonagh, for his performance of Joe, the drunken father, in ‘Mr Nobody’, Balally Players entry for The Bray 29th One Act Festival. ‘Mr Nobody’ written by Patrick Greaney, was directed by Teresa Dempsey in The Mermaid Theatre, Bray on Thurs 26th Jan. The cast also included Margaret Toomey, Deirdre Ward, Declan Brennan and Mary Ryan.

The Mill Theatre, Dundrum
Auditions for ‘Our Town’ by Thornton Wilder took place in early Jan. for The Mill Theatre’s debut play. It will be directed by professional director Brian de Salvo. We were delighted that Balally Players members have been cast along with members from the other local drama groups in this collaborative production. It is to be performed for two weeks in May in Dundrum’s own new Theatre at the Dundrum Shopping Centre and we eagerly await the show.

Social Night, Sat 25th Feb
The venue for the Social Night is Beauford Mews, Stillorgan (next to Oatlands Primary School). Dinner is at 7.30pm. €35. Bookings to Claire O’Reilly 087-7747724. Payment in full by 18th Feb to Judy McKeever, Apt 235, The Island, Chapleizod, Dublin 20. (The restaurant want numbers confirmed a week in advance of 25th).

Workshop
Come to the acting workshop which will be will run by Ciara O’Byrne on Wed 8th Feb at 8pm in St. Tiernan’s Secondary School, Parkvale, Dundrum.

Check out the ‘What’s On’ page of our website for details of Balally productions and workshops. It is updated regularly by our Webmaster, Declan Brennan.

All the best for now,

Joanne .

Joanne Keane (Balally Players Secretary)

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
Balally Players would like to thank all those who supported us last year and to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. We are planning another productive year for 06 and hope you come and enjoy the plays.

Top Girls
Our first production of ‘06 is ‘Top Girls’ by Caryl Churchill, with an all-girl cast, directed by Gary Wall. It will be performed in The Tallaght Theatre, (next to The Cuckoo’s Nest Pub) at 8pm each night from Thurs 26th to Sat 28th January 2006. Tickets €12 (€10 Concessions). Bookings to Jean 01-2956015

Bray Festival
The Bray One Act Festival takes place in the last week of January. Our entry this year is ‘Mr Nobody’ directed by Teresa Dempsey and it goes on Thurs 26th Jan. in The Mermaid Theatre.

Have you checked out the ‘What’s On’ page of our website for details of Balally productions? It is updated regularly by our Webmaster, Declan Brennan. If you would like to join Balally Players do get in touch for more information. Looking forward to seeing you during the year, ‘at’ or ‘in’ the plays,

All the best,

Joanne

Joanne Keane. (Balally Players Secretary)

Christmas at Airfield

A firm favourite with young and old alike, the Balally Players production of ‘Christmas at Airfield’ includes songs and stories, comic sketches and recitations. It has been described as a ‘heartwarming selection of entertainment with a Christmas flavour, served with mulled wine and mince pies’. Savour the atmosphere of ‘Christmas at Airfield’, from Wed 7th to Sat 10th Dec in Airfield House, Dundrum at 8pm. Early booking is advised. Tickets €15 (Concessions €12). Call Jean (01) 295 6015

One Act Festival

Congratulations to the director and cast of our One Act Festival entry ‘Home Free!’ by Langford Wilson. Winner of the Cork Festival and 2nd in Skerries, the actors Gary Murphy and Caroline Power and director Geoffery O Keefe were the recipients of many awards.

The Cripple of Inishmaan

‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’ by Martin McDonagh, directed by Karen Carleton, upstairs in Lamb Doyles, Sandyford 21st to 24th Nov was a hilarious success. Well done to everyone involved!

Top Girls

Already in production, ‘Top Girls’ by Caryl Churchill, with an all-girl cast directed by Gary Wall, will be performed in The Cuckoo's Nest Theatre, Tallaght from Wed 1st to Sat 4th February 2006.

Have you checked out the ‘What’s On’ page of our website for details of Balally productions? It is updated regularly by out Webmaster, Declan Brennan. If you would like to join Balally Players do get in touch for more information.

This has been a most enjoyable and productive year for Balally Players and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you, on and off stage, who have helped make it such a great year for us all and to wish you a healthy and happy Christmas. Looking forward to seeing you at ‘Christmas at Airfield’.

All the best,

Joanne Keane.

(Balally Players Secretary)

Balally Players Drama Group has been busy casting and rehearsing and will present three shows for your delectation and delight before Christmas!

One Act Festival
The One Act Play ‘Home Free!’ by Langford Wilson, directed by Geoffrey O’ Keefe is touring the country in November as our entry in the One Act Festival. In addition to the Festival dates, the play will be performed as part of an evening of 3 one-act plays presented by Baileboro Drama Group in the Ramor Theatre, Virginia, Co Cavan on Sat 29th October. Geoffrey has been invited to present the play at five festival locations in November. Why not follow the festival trail to … 1: Ramor Theatre, Virginia, Co Cavan - Sun 6th Nov 2: Bog Lane Theatre, Ballymahon, Co Longford - Sun 13th Nov 3: Little Theatre, Skerries, Co Dublin - Fri 18th Nov 4: Institute of Technology Theatre, Cork City - Sat 19th Nov 5: Haulbowline Naval Base Theatre, Cork - Sun 20th Nov

The Cripple of Inishmaan
Come and see ‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’ by Martin McDonagh, directed by Karen Carleton, upstairs in Lamb Doyles, Sandyford at 8pm from Mon 21st to Thurs 24th Nov (inclusive). Track the ‘heartbreakingly humourous and sad odyssey’ of Billy ‘the cripple’ as he determines to get a part in the film ‘Man of Aran’, about to be filmed on location on Inishmaan, and observe the often cruel yet hilarious interactions between the islanders. Bookings: Jean 086-1785159

Christmas at Airfield
Savour the atmosphere of ‘Christmas at Airfield’, from Wed 7th to Sat 10th Dec in Airfield House, Dundrum. Bookings: Jean 086-1785159

Check out the ‘What’s On’ page of our website for details of the upcoming plays. If you would like to be involved in any of the productions do get in touch and let us know.

Hope to see you at the shows,

All the best,

Joanne Joanne Keane. (Balally Players Secretary)

Copy of text from e-mail sent to members on the mailing list on Wednesday 5 October 2005

Contact us:
E-Mail:
Mobile: 087-694 4088 (Balally Players phone)

Balally Players has a busy and exciting schedule of plays planned out for the year. Check out what’s in the ‘Calendar of Events’ in the ‘What’s On’ page of our website www.balallyplayers.com and come and join us - as an actor, as backstage crew or as an audience member. Looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you during the year,

All the best,
Joanne Keane. (Balally Players Secretary)

Open Night
The Open Night which took place on Wed 7th Sept in Lamb Doyles was a great success. Many past, present and future members met and mingled and it was a very sociable evening!

One Act Festival Play
'Home Free' by American playwright Lanford Wilson was the choice of director Geoffrey O'Keefe for the One Act Festival. Currently in rehearsal in Lamb Doyles, Sandyford the play will be adjudicated in several locations around the country in November. The finals will be held in The Moate Theatre, Naas the first weekend in December. If you would like to be involved in helping out backstage and travelling with the cast and crew let us know.

‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’
‘ The Cripple of Inishmaan’ by Martin McDonagh, directed by Karen Carleton will be performed upstairs in Lamb Doyles from Sun 20th to Wed 24th Nov. Rehearsals are underway in St. Tiernan’s Community School, Parkvale, every Mon and Wed evening. Backstage crew will be needed for this show - so don’t be backward about coming forward to offer your services!

‘Top Girls’
Gary Wall is directing ‘Top Girls’ by Caryl Churchill and rehearsals are going on every Mon and Wed in St. Tiernan’s. This play will run in ‘The Cuckoo’s Nest Theatre’ at the end of Jan 06.

Auditions for ‘Christmas at Airfield’
This ever popular show will run once more in Airfield House, Dundrum from 7th to 10th Dec and is to be directed by Mary Ryan, ably assisted by Doris Cullen, Margaret Toomey and Teresa Dempsey. Auditions will take place in October. If you have ‘pieces’ that might be suitable contact Mary. Let us know if you are available for the show and interested in auditioning. Our thanks to Tony McGettigan for directing the previous ‘Christmas at Airfield’ shows and doing such a great job!

Auditions for the ‘Bray Festival’ Play
The Bray Festival takes place at the end of January in The Mermaid Theatre, Bray. Auditions for the play will be held in October. Teresa Dempsey will direct the Balally Players entry. Contact us if you are interested in auditioning for the play.

Workshops
The ‘Acting Workshop’ held by Claire Reilly on 14th Sept was enjoyed by all. Check out the website for details of the next workshop (Date to be announced).

Sympathies
Our sympathies are with Pat Hand whose father died at the end of August.

Congratulations
Sean & Susan Murphy have a new baby boy!

Productions
Brendan Dunne was in Spiders Ankles Production of ‘Translations’, Draíocht Theatre 6th to 10th Sept. Seamus Wheelan performed in ‘Spoonfed’ in T36, Fringe Festival Tue 20th and Fri 23rd Sept. Claire O’Neill was ASM for ‘Liliom’ in SS Michael & John, Fringe Festival 27th Sep to 2nd Oct. Bernard Doyle will direct ‘Move over Mrs Markam’ for Glencullen, Pavillion Theatre 21st to 26th Nov. Paul Sharpe will perform in ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’ with Taney, Taney Hall 24th to 26th Nov.

Drama League of Ireland Convention
Jean Monaghan and Joanne Keane will represent Balally Players Drama Group at the DLI Convention, which will be held in Hotel Kilkenny on Sat 15th Oct.

Subscription
The yearly subscription is now due. The rate is €40 (€70 for couples), €20 for unwaged/students.

Dundrum House
Even if you are not involved in a Balally play at the moment you can still catch up with Balally Players (almost) every Wed night after rehearsal from 10pm in Dundrum House!

Calendar of Events
If you there is something you would like to see happening in the group during the year get in touch with any member of the Committee and we will try to organise it.

Committee 05/06
Chairperson: Ciara O'Byrne
Secretary: Joanne Keane (Balally Mobile 087-694 4088)
Treasurer: Judy McKeever
Webmaster: Declan Brennan
Props & Stores: Pat Hand
Social Secretary: Claire Reilly
Social Secretary: Deirdre Ward

Copy of e-mail sent to members on the mailing list on Thursday 11 August 2005

Hi Balally Players, hope you are enjoying the summer. Here is a short e-bulletin to let you know about the Casting dates for the One Act Festival (29th & 31st Aug in Lamb Doyles) and the date for the Open Night (7th Sept).

Incoming Committee:
Chairperson: Ciara O'Byrne
Treasurer: Judy McKeever
Secretary: Joanne Keane

Ordinary Members:
Declan Brennan
Pat Hand
Claire Reilly
Deirdre Ward

The first Committee meeting was held on Wed 3rd August. Karen Carleton came to show the floor-plans of the new Dundrum theatre to the committee. It is expected that the theatre will be ready late Spring 06.

1. One Act Festival
The reading and casting of the one act play, for the One Act Festival in November, will take place on Mon 29th and Wed 31st Aug 05 in Lamb Doyles. This is earlier than usual but was at the request of the Director, Geoffrey O'Keefe, who wants to get going as soon as possible and hopes to have it cast by 31st Aug. He hasn't fully decided on which play he will do but will have chosen one by the readings. All are welcome.

2. Open Night
The Open Night is to take place on Wed 7th Sept in Lamb Doyles. Sandwiches and cocktail sausages will be provided and efforts will be made to have a sociable night! Everyone is welcome - please pass on the word!

3. Proposed Schedule of Plays for 05
Every effort will be made to ensure any paid-up member of the group who wishes to act or direct is facilitated.
• Geoffrey O’Keefe is to direct the One Act Festival play.
• Karen Carleton will direct a Three Act play which will be put on in Nov – choice of play depending on venue. Casting to take place early Sept.
• Christmas at Airfield will go ahead in Dec. Please contact the Committee if you have any suitable material or acts.
• At present there is no director for the Bray Festival. Anybody interested?

4. Proposed Schedule of Workshops
There will be a series of 3 Workshops to take place before Christmas organised by Claire Reilly and run by group members.


Looking forward to seeing you at the readings and the Open Night!

All the best,

Joanne.

Crescendo Theatre Company present the world premier of
The Mobile
by Denis Byrne

The play centres itself around Danny, a drug Crescendo Theatre Company present the world premier of The Mobile by Denis Byrne. The play centres itself around Danny, a drug dealer and brothel owner and his various employees and enemies. The story takes us on a violent yet philosophical journey through Dublin’s criminal underbelly, to a shattering and brutal climax.

Directed by Malcolm Adams and starring Brian McHale-Boyle, Camille Donegan, Helen Jordan, Paul Gosker, Sean Stewart and Steve Wilson.

Andrews Lane Studio
15th - 20th August 8.15pm
Tickets: €15/€13
Ph: 6795720

Scholarship to DLI Summer School

The Committee is pleased to announce that it will be providing two half scholarships to the Drama League of Ireland Summer School, which will take place in the University of Limerick, from 6th to 13th August 2005. The scholarships are worth over €200 each and are open to all members of the group. Both half scholarships will be awarded on the basis of merit. To apply, please complete and return the application form overleaf to:

The Balally Players Committee
c/o Oran O’Rua
48 Balally Avenue
Dundrum
Dublin 16

Or email your completed form to:

Further information on the Summer School and the courses available can be found online at http://www.dli.ie/summerschoolcourses05.htm

Please note that the closing date for applications is Friday, 3rd June 2005.

Congratulations

Big congrats to Karen and all the cast and crew of ‘Enchanted April’. The four night run in Airfield was a great success and the feedback from the audiences each night was very positive. The production got the full backing of the group, with people helping out backstage, with make-up, costumes or just being part of the audience! In total, it’s been calculated that 95% of the group’s membership turned out to support the production, so well done and thanks to everyone involved.

The charity performance in Leopardstown Park Hospital also went down very well and managed to raise €2000 for SUAS, a youth and education focused organisation linked to the St. Vincent de Paul, which facilitates young people to address educational disadvantage at home and overseas. The much needed money will go towards the SUAS project in Maweni, Kenya, and Muriel’s daughter, Lorraine, who is working on the project, has promised to let us know how she gets on.

Annual General Meeting – Wednesday, 6th July 2005

Please note that the AGM will be taking place early this year, on Wednesday, 6th July 2005, in Lamb Doyles (upstairs), from 8:00pm. Documents for the meeting will be sent to all members in June 2005 and the agenda will include the election of the next Committee, motions for voting by members, and submissions for plays in 2005/2006. If you have any items that you would like included on the agenda, please let Oran know as soon as possible.

Please note that the last date for reimbursement of receipts from this year’s productions is 25th June 2005. All claims for receipts must be submitted to the Treasurer, Hilary Madigan, by this date.

Social Outing – Possible Dates for Your Diary

A social outing is currently being planned. The rough details are that it will take place on 25th June or 2nd July 2005. Further details to follow.

Get Well Soon

We all wish Tony McGettigan a speedy recovery from his recent hip operation and look forward to seeing him back in action soon. Get well soon Tony.

Balally Players present ‘The Taming of The Shrew’, by William Shakespeare

This year’s Shakespeare performance, ‘The Taming of the Shrew’, will take place from 21st to 24th June 2005 in Airfield Gardens, Dundrum. The play is directed by Bernard Doyle and the all-star cast includes Kevin Fahey as Petruchio, Claire O’Reilly as Katharina and Lisa Walsh as Bianca. As in previous years, the atmosphere of Airfield Gardens will make for the perfect setting to bring Shakespeare’s classic to life so spread the word among friends and family and invite them to come along. Further information for bookings and enquiries can be made by contacting (087) 6944088.

Help is always needed backstage so if you are available to help on any of the performance dates, please contact Bernard on (087) 9863712 as soon as possible.

APPLICATION FORM FOR BALALLY PLAYERS HALF SCHOLARSHIP TO ATTEND
THE DRAMA LEAGUE OF IRELAND SUMMER SCHOOL 2005

Name:
Postal Address:

Email Address:
Telephone/ Mobile Number:

Please state two reasons why you feel you should be awarded the scholarship:
1.

2.

Please return your completed form no later than Friday, 3rd June 2005 by post to:

The Balally Players Committee
c/o Oran O’Rua
48 Balally Avenue
Dundrum
Dublin 16

or email your completed form to:

Cast Lists

Enchanted April’,
directed by Karen Carleton

Lotty ----- Claire O'Neill
Rose ----- Sinead O'Donovan
Mrs Fischer ----- Muriel O'Hagan
Lady Caroline ----- Deirdre Ward
Constanza ----- Mary Ryan
Francesca ----- Jean Monahan
Milosh ----- Gary Wall
Frederick ----- Geoffrey O'Keefe
Wilding ----- Sean Murphy

‘ The Taming of the Shrew’,
directed by Bernard Doyle

Katharina ----- Claire Reilly
Bianca ----- Lisa Walsh
Widow ----- Hilary Madigan
Baptista ----- Brian Molloy
Petruchio ----- Kevin Fahey
Grumio ----- Oran O’Rua
Lucentio ----- Declan Brennan
Tranio ----- Jim Carroll
Hortensio ----- Brendan Dunne
Gremio ----- Gerry Doyle
Biondello ----- Seamus Whelan
Tailor ----- Wes Scully
Nathaniel/Servant ----- Doris Cullen
Joseph ----- Teresa Dempsey
Pedant ----- Lorcan Dunne
Haberdasher ----- Sebastien Iaxx

Supporting crew needed for both plays so contact the directors if you’re available.

Want to Improve Your Acting Skills….?

Balally Players will be hosting two acting workshops, sponsored by the Drama League of Ireland and the Arts Council. The venue is Lamb Doyles (upstairs) from 8:00pm and the dates and tutors are:

30th March 2005: Chrissie Poulter

6th April 2005: Pat Kinevan

Both workshops are open to all members of the group and the general public. A nominal fee of €5.00 per head will apply.

Congratulations

Big congrats to Bernard Doyle and his crew who swept the board at the recent One Act Festival in Bray. Balally’s production of ‘Bedtime Story’ by Sean O’Casey scooped many of the awards including Best Play, Best Director (Bernard Doyle), Adjudicator’s Award and Best Actress (Judy McKeever), and Best Actor (Jim Carroll). Nicely done!

DLI Magazines

Jean has arranged for a subscription to the DLI Magazine. If you would like to purchase a copy of the magazine and keep up to date on DLI activities, please contact Jean.

Sincerest Sympathies

Our sincerest sympathies go out at this time to the families of Declan Brennan and Paul Macken both of whom suffered bereavements recently.

‘ Enchanted April’ – Performance Dates

‘ Enchanted April’, written by Mathew Barber, directed by Karen Carleton

Set in the 1920's, ‘Enchanted April’ is the charming tale of four women who escape their sorrows for a month's holiday, where they find romance, hope and, ultimately, liberation.

18th, 19th, 20th, 21st April 2005: Airfield House (Library)
23rd April 2005: Leopardstown Park Hospital (for charity)

Cast Lists

‘Enchanted April’, directed by Karen Carleton

Lotty ----- Claire O Neill
Rose ----- Sinead O Donovan
Mrs Fischer ----- Muriel O Hagan
Lady Caroline ----- Deirdre Ward
Constanza ----- Mary Ryan
Francesca ----- Jean Monahan
Milosh ----- Gary Wall
Frederick ----- Geoffrey O Keefe
Wilding ----- Sean Murphy

‘The Taming of the Shrew’, directed by Bernard Doyle

Katharina ----- Claire Reilly
Bianca ----- Lisa Walsh
Widow ----- Hilary Madigan
Baptista ----- Brian Molloy
Petruchio ----- Kevin Fahey
Grumio ----- Oran O’Rua
Lucentio ----- Declan Brennan
Tranio ----- Jim Carroll
Hortensio ----- Brendan Dunne
Gremio ----- tbc
Biondello ----- Seamus Whelan
Tailor ----- Wes Scully
Nathaniel/Servant ----- Doris Cullen
Joseph ----- Teresa Dempsey
Pedant ----- Lorcan Dunne
Haberdasher ----- Sebastien Iaxx

Other Notices

• Supporting crew needed for both plays so contact the directors if you’re available.
  
• Container clear out – Volunteers needed

  A clear out of the container in Tiernans is being planned in the coming weeks. If you have a Saturday morning free in the coming weeks to help out it would be greatly appreciated. Pub lunch and a few beers promised. Contact anyone on the Committee.

A big congratulations to all the directors, cast and crew who have been involved so far. Gary and co. scooped several awards on the One Act Circuit, culminating in a fourth place in the One Act Finals. Geoff and co. continue to do us proud with successful performances in the Cuckoo’s Nest and Naas, and with the Abbey One Hundred performance coming up shortly on 27th December. Tony has done yet another great job this year with the ‘Christmas at Airfield’ show – the audiences packed in and loved every minute of it! To top it off, we found out recently that Bernard’s production of ‘Bedtime Story’ has been accepted to the Bray One Act Festival at the end of January. Thank you to all those who have supported the productions so far and helped make them a success.

Sincerest Sympathies

Our sincerest sympathies go out at this time to the families of Aoife Lawless and Bernard Doyle, both of whom suffered bereavements recently.

News and Forthcoming Events – January 2005

6th January 2005: ‘Little Christmas’ in Arklow Bay Hotel, Arklow, Co. Wicklow

Following on from the success at Airfield, Tony is taking the show on the road to perform in the Arklow Bay Hotel, Co. Wicklow. Bookings can be made with Winnie Brennan on (0402) 32249. There was talk of organising a bus if there was a big enough group up for going down. If you’re interested, please let Judy know, Tel. (087) 2069452.

19th January 2005: Readings/Castings for plays in 2005 in St. Tiernan’s, 8pm

• ‘The Taming of the Shrew’, by William Shakespeare, directed by Bernard Doyle, playing in June 2005.
• ‘Enchanted April’, written by Matthew Barber, directed by Karen Carleton, playing in April 2005. The play is set in the 1920's and has a cast of at least five women of varied ages and a couple of male roles. ‘Enchanted April’ is the charming tale of four women who escape their sorrows for a month's holiday, where they find romance, hope and, ultimately, liberation.

21st January 2005: Balally Players Go To The Dogs!

For this year’s Christmas event, Balally Players are literally going to the dogs! The night of bets, buzz and booze will take place in Harold’s Cross Dog Track and the plan is to hire a corporate suite for the evening. The price will be between €38 and €44 and this includes admission fee, race card, access to corporate suite facilities and four-course, sit-down meal. It’s going to be good craic so if you’re interested please let Judy know as soon as possible, Tel. (087) 2069452.

25th January 2005: Bray One Act Festival, The Mermaid Theatre, Bray

The Group has been selected to perform “Bedtime Story”, by Sean O’Casey, directed by Bernard Doyle. Balally will be performing third on the first night of the festival, 25th January 2005. Best of luck to Bernard and co. We’re hoping to get a big crew down in support. Again, if you’re interested in going, please let Judy know. Alternatively, tickets can be booked directly from The Mermaid Box Office on Tel. 2724030.

28th & 29th January 2005: Two One Act Plays, Birr Theatre & Arts Centre, Birr,
Co. Offaly

Balally Players and Tullamore Drama Society present their award-winning One Act Festival Plays. Balally will perform ‘Healing the Dead’ and Tullamore will perform their production of ‘Three Sleepless Nights’, which won the All-Ireland Confined section this year. This would be another good opportunity for a group hooley so if you’re interested….you know the drill - please let Judy know as soon as possible! Tel. (087) 2069452.

Back in Tiernan’s on Wednesday, 12th January 2005 - See You Then!

• ‘Healing The Dead’, by Johnny Hanrahan

Three siblings are reunited to attend the funeral of their aunt. Messages are delivered from ‘beyond the grave’ and shocking family secrets are uncovered that turn their lives upside down with comic results.

6th November 2004: Virginia, Co. Cavan
7th November 2004: Kilmuckridge, Co. Wexford
14th November 2004: Ballymahon, Co. Longford
19th November 2004: Gorey, Co. Wexford
20th November 2004: Skerries, Co. Dublin

24th – 27th November 2004: The Little Theatre, Tallaght (Beside Cuckoo’s Nest Pub)

• ‘On Baile’s Strand’, by W. B. Yeats

The relationship between the warrior, Cu Chulainn, and the High King of Ulster, Conchubhar, is under increasing pressure. A mysterious stranger arrives in Ulster threatening to take Cu Chulainn’s life. In this, one of Yeat’s classic tragedies, the poetic language and the theatricality of the piece make for a wonderful production.

24th – 27th November 2004: The Little Theatre, Tallaght (Beside Cuckoo’s Nest Pub)

27th December 2004: THE ABBEY THEATRE, Dublin

• ‘Christmas At Airfield’

A selection of Christmas variety, served with mulled wine and mince pies.

8th – 11th December 2004: Airfield House, Dundrum

For further booking information, please contact (01) 2956015 or the Balally Players’ hotline: (087) 6944088. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

For information on any of the above productions or to join the group, call us today on (087) 6944088 or call to St. Tiernan’s Community School, Parkvale, from 8pm every Wednesday night.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
FOR ALL MEMBERS PAST AND PRESENT:

Readings for ‘On Baile’s Strand’ by W. B. Yeats

At the recent AGM of The Balally Players, Geoffrey O’Keefe announced details of the group’s successful application to produce ‘On Baile’s Strand’ in The Abbey Theatre in December 2004 as part of the ‘Abbey One Hundred’ celebration.

Geoff is directing the play and would like to invite all those interested in participating to readings of the play.

Date: Wednesday, 1st September 2004

Time: 8:00pm

Venue: ‘Ashville’, Sandyford Road (Jean’s House)

Acting Roles
There are parts for 5 named male characters, 3 female characters and a number (to be decided) of smaller male roles.

Backstage Roles
Ever wanted to pull the curtain in The Abbey? Now’s your chance – full crew needed!!

About the Play
‘ On Baile’s Strand’ examines the relationship between Cuchulain and Conchubar, the High King of Ulster. In this tragedy, Cuchulain kills his son. The poetic language and theatricality of the piece will make for a wonderful production.

Further Information
For further information or if you cannot make it on 1st September but would like to be a part of this production, please contact Geoff (087 9936307) or one of the incoming Committee members (contact details overleaf).

Other News From the AGM

Committee Election Results
The following were elected as the incoming committee of The Balally Players:

Chair: Dave Walsh Tel. 085 7303211
Treasurer: Hilary Madigan Tel. 087 6860411
Secretary: Oran O’Rua Tel. 087 7844834
Ordinary Members: Joanne Keane Tel. 087 7977067
Judy McKeever Tel. 087 2069452
Jean Monaghan Tel. 086 1785159
Margaret Twomey Tel. 086 1994195

Opening Night
The Opening Night this year will be held on Wednesday, 22nd September 2004 at 8:00pm in St. Tiernan’s so if you know of anyone who would like to get involved please invite them along with you.

Invitation for Submissions
Suggestions and/or submissions for slots in this year’s programme are now being invited. The slots available are:

• One Act Festival Play (October/November 2004)
• Christmas at Airfield (Producer required)
• A Three Act Play (Spring 2005)
• Bray One Act Festival Play
• One Act In-House Production

If you have a play in mind that would be suitable for these slots and/or are interested in directing a play in this year’s programme, please contact Dave Walsh or any of the committee members above.

Receipts from Last Year
Unfortunately, with the adoption of the Annual Accounts at the AGM, it is no longer possible to refund claims from last year’s shows. If you do incur refundable expenses through your involvement in any of this year’s shows please let Hillary know and get your claim in early for the next AGM!

And Finally…
If you see no other plays this Dublin Fringe Festival, make sure you see Spellbound Theatre’s production of ‘The Marowitz Hamlet’ in the Focus Theatre from 21st September. An interesting and irreverent take on Shakespeare’s original, the play features our very own Basil Ashmawy and Oran O’Rua. Further booking information is available online at www.fringefest.com

To all those who attended the 21st AGM and to those who directed and produced in Balally’s 21st year: thank you for your commitment

Wednesday 21st July 2004 (NEXT Wednesday!!)
A "wrap up" get-together will take place in Dundrum House from 8PM onwards. Finger snacks will be provided. We look forward to having a good crowd at this final get-together of  what has been probably the busiest year in our  illustrious history. Put it in your diary now and be there !!.

Wednesday August 25th 2004
Our Annual General Meeting at which the past year is reviewed and, for the coming year, the Officers and Committee are elected and an activities programme discussed. Only paid-up members are permitted to vote for the incoming officers and committee. Advice of venue will be given in a reminder that will be sent nearer the time.

Election of new Committee
All the outgoing officers (Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary) have "served their time". This is a great opportunity to have new persons and ideas driving the Group forward. Members are encouraged to have people ready to accept nominations for the officer and committee positions.

Proposals for new productions,
Entries for the One Act Festivals etc, are encouraged. We already have a distinguished honour and commitment on hand, to present "On Baile's Strand" (W .B. Yeats) in December in the Abbey. Geoffrey 0 Keeffe has taken on this responsibility. Scripts will be circulated at the AGM. Geoffrey's needs for the production must be our top priority, of course, but that will still leave many resources available for other productions, even  before the year end. Come on!!. Put your thinking caps on and come up with ideas for the AGM.

 One idea, for which there is already a "slot, is the production of this year's  "Christmas at Airfield" at Airfield House, Wednesday to Saturday, December 8th to 10 inclusive. Tony McGettigan has put on this show for the past two years and wishes to take a back seat. Members are encouraged to put themselves forward to devise and direct this year's show.

In accordance with our normal procedures, all production proposals have to be
approved by the incoming Committee that will be in charge when they are
produced.

Balally Players will meet half the cost of attendance at one of this year’s DLI Summer School Courses.
Only one scholarship is available. Applications are invited from current paid-up members. If there is more than one applicant, a draw will be held to determine the recipient of the scholarship. Applications must be made in writing to the Chairman before Saturday 24th JuIy

Please hand in any Group property you may be holding to Jean Monahan
The whereabouts of some props and costumes from previous shows is uncertain. We want to have all the Group's property held in one know11 place. Anybody who is holding props or costumes is asked to hand them in to Jean Monahan as soon as possible. An audio tape of : "Much Ado About Nothing" is one of the known items --there are others—that are  "missing". Please, everyone, check your hiding places and let us have all those A WOL items for proper storage.

Last chance to be refunded for expenditure you undertook on behalf of the Group
Anyone holding receipts for which they should be refunded, and/or invoices that should be paid, Please submit them without delay to the treasurer , who wants to complete the Accounts for the current year.

Our thanks to volunteer reservists for “Much Ado About Nothing”
Thanks are due to Doris Cullen and Gary Wall who stepped forward and volunteered to take on roles in "Much Ado About Nothing" at very short notice. During the Airfield run, we were invited to put on the play-at Glenart Castle, Arklow. Two of the cast  Jim Carroll and Hilary Madigan, had prior leave bookings that made it impossible for them to take part. In stepped Doris and Gary! Thanks a lot for your commitment, Doris and Gary.

Looking forward to meeting everyone at the wrap up get together in Dundrum House next Wednesday July 21^st. Be there!  Have a great break and let’s all meet again at AGM on Wednesday August 25^th, Fresh  and full of ideas and enthusiasm.

Busy programme from now to end of June

• Every Wednesday night at St Tiernan's
  Paula Callaghan's readings of "The Crimson Tide, (an absorbIng piece that is being enjoyed .by all those who attend) and occasional workshops. :An important policy of the Group is to have  interesting activities -for those not directly involved in whatever is currently under rehearsal / production. Thanks are due to Paula (and Jean Monahan) in this regard.
  
• Much Ado About Nothing
  Starting this week, the many important non-speaking parts in this production will be involved in choreography rehearsals, and ever increasingly during May, in the general rehearsals. Regular attendance and mastery of the choreography is essential to making the crowd scenes smooth and enjoyable.
  Fridays 28th May and 4th June -live at the Pavilion, Dun Laoghaire.
  Wednesday 17th  June to Monday 21st June inclusive -live at Airfield House.

• 21st Celebrations
  The party will be on Saturday June 12 at The Goat.

21st Anniversary Celebrations Saturday 12th June at the Goat

• Ciara 0 Byrne and her Gang (Teresa Dempsey, Oran O Rua and Dorris Cullen) have been busy, busy, busy and all arrangements are ill place for a great night's enjoyment on Saturday 12th June. The format for the night is--
  
  8.00PM -Meal .
  9.30PM -Kaleidoscope of snippets from shows staged by the group during the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, featuring those who played the parts in the original performances.
  10.30PM -DJ disco dancing.
  A big thanks is due to Ciara and, her Gang and others who have worked with them to provide all of us with a great opportunity for fun and celebration on the 12th June. Be there!!

"Much Ado About Nothing"

You can see from the programme at the top of the previous page that "Much Ado --" has a demanding schedule. All of the cast, including those in the crowd scenes, which are very important to the visual impact of the show, are exhorted to attend every rehearsal call. Everyone 's enthusiastic participation is vital to putting on a good and enjoyable show. Jean Monahan is looking after "front of house" at Airfield. Bernard Doyle is Stage Manager. Offers of help will be much appreciated, especially for "front of house" at Airfield where  practical experience is less important, and more people are needed, than in stage management.

Annual General Meeting fixed for Wednesday 25th August

Because of the many activities already committed to up to the end of June, the AGM will take place on the 25th August. The AGM normally authorises entries for the One Act Festivals, which need to be cast and got into rehearsal early in September. If having the AGM on the 25th August presents any problem for those wishing to have an entry for the One Act Festivals approved earlier than.that date, they are invited to  submit their proposals to the  current Committee, who will give the proposals  full consideration / decision quickly.
Put the 25th August AGM in your diaries. A good turnout is important.

Abbey 100

As part of its Centenary Celebrations, the National Theatre will replicate, on December 27th next, its Opening Night of 100 years ago, when amateur groups opened the theatre with productions of three one act plays An open invitation went out to amateur groups all over Ireland to apply to be one of the groups on December 27th next. As you can imagine,
numerous applications were received from all over the country. We are happy to announce that Balally Players has been short listed for the honour!! This is quite exciting but there is a long way to go before final selection of three only groups for that night.

Members News

• 
  An exhibition of John Canning's art was opened by the Lord Mayor  of    Galway  in  "Anton's" restaurant, Galway City, on Sunday 26th April. If you are in the vicinity, be sure to take in the work (and a beautiful meal in "Anton's" at the same time).
  
• Geoffrey 0 Keeffe has an art exhibition scheduled for next November. He is working hard. preparing material for it. You may have noticed the occasional spatters of colour on his clothes and hands and face at recent rehearsals of ' 'Much Ado --" and thought they were part of his character identification. No! They are part of his art exhibition preparations.

• Several of our members --Jamie Belton (Fair City heartthrob ) Margaret Toomey, Basil Ashmawy, Joanne Keane,  and indeed maybe others that your gossip columnist hasn't heard about at recent media partles--'   have  been distinguishing themselves recently in performances for TV productions (congratulations to all and best wishes for  future successes).
  
• Tony McGettigan's award winning short story, "Learning the Meaning of First", will be published in a special Short Story Supplement to "Ireland's Own" in May.
  

Return to list of Newsletters

Here we are folks - another Newsletter. Nearly into Santa Claus time so everyone will have to behave themselves.

Did you see The Heiress at Airfield House,? Wasn't it just the perfect setting for this play, ably directed by Sharpie (otherwise known as Sir Paul Sharpe). Congratulations to Paul and all concerned. I enjoyed this and I was glad to see full houses as well. Our upcoming events include, as you already know, "Christmas at Airfield", being rehearsed at the moment and will run from Wednesday December 10th to Saturday 13th incl. This was a great success last year what with mince pies and mulled wine etc. and it looks like the same again this year. Bookings can be made at 295 6015 (that's Jean) and please come along and bring your aunties and uncles, grannies and granddads and your favourite cousin - "support your local sheriff" and all that.

The forthcoming comedy at the Pavilion has had a change of heart; no longer is it to be 'Out of Order, Minister' . Due to circumstances beyond control, it has now been changed to "Rumours" a very funny play by the master of comedy, Neil Simon. That'll be in January. It involves four couples and a dinner party and a missing host. I hear it's a hoot.

Also in January, Seamus Whelan is considering readings/auditions for a play in Feb./March. I believe he's thinking of "Last Tango in Little Grimley" which is hilarious. I think he's looking for talent as we speak.

I also hear that there will be workshops in January, two on voice and one on mime. These are always of interest and I'm sure we'll have a good attendance.

Now to the 1-Act circuit. We're doing well here folks. The weird and wonderful La Corbiere has chalked up three firsts in - Virginia (Best Play, Best director, Best Actress - Ciara O'Byrne), Haulbowline (Best Play, Best Director, nominations for Jean Monahan, Judy McKeever, Ciara O'Byrne and myself, Bernard and Patrick), Waterford, a very close run second (first got 80.9 marks and we got 80.5), Ballymahon, nothing unfortunately, but once again in Carrigallen, a Best Play.

At this point, a big thank you to all who came and supported us and to all those who sent good wishes and helped otherwise, to Dympna for her lovely costumes and to Brian Dempsey for the set. We had great craic on the coach to Ballymahon and thoroughly enjoyed Dave Walsh' hilarious account of the Roly's staff outing to the Abbey (get him to tell you over a pint or two/three). Congrats to Geoffrey O'Keeffe and co. (including me) on being in the finals in Ennis first w/e in December. We've also received an invitation from Chrissie Poulter to put this play on in the Samuel Beckett theatre in Trinity. No date available just yet, but we'll let you know.
A special thanks to Karen who came to the rescue after my car broke down in Kilmacanogue on the way to Waterford. She gallantly stepped in, so to speak, and drove us all down to Waterford and on to Haulbowline and back again to Dublin (delicious bread from Cashel!!). Cost me a *#+*@~# fortune for a new clutch.

The Bear, which was also on the circuit was nearly going to Ennis but unfortunately got pipped at the post. They took a first prize in Manorhamilton and, John D. Byrne got two Best Actor awards, one in Manorhamilton and one in Palmerstown. Nevertheless congratulations to Paula Callaghan and her gallant crew - and a little bird told me they also had great craic.

Timeless Players, i.e. Lorcan Dunne and his lot, are also doing well on the circuit and will be heading to Ennis, and although we wish them the best, we also wish ourselves even more best wishes. By the way, to correct an error, it's Jamie who is with this play and not Basil. Sorry about that lads.

Anyone planning to travel to Ennis for the 1-act finals should contact Judy McKeever re accommodation possibilities.

OTHER  NEWS

We also hear that Hugh Gallagher has got engaged to Sarah, whom he first met in Haulbowline during the 1-act circuit of a year or two ago. So you see anything can happen on the festival circuit. Heartiest congratulations to both of them!

We're on the web now, this is our address  <http://www.balallyplayers.com> . I'm told there were two hits from the Seychelles of all places!! I hope everyone has paid their subscription at this stage.

Claire & Tony Joyce's new arrival hasn't quite arrived yet, but soon, and
John Canning's is due in the new year.

May I wish the whole lot of you a very Happy Christmas & Delightful New
Year.



Doris.