Published: Friday, 29th January, 2010 12:00pm

Ballycumber Drama Group live this weekend!

The rehearsals are nearly done, and Ballycumber Drama Group are raring to go as this year's production 'Move Over Mrs Markham', approaches.

This two act comedy opens in Ballycumber Community Centre this coming Saturday, January 30, and Sunday, January 31, and is expected to be the group's best production to date.

Written by Ray Cooney and John Chapman, 'Move Over Mrs Markham' is a bag of laughs from beginning to end as it charts the clandestine activities of three different couples in London's swinging sixties with hilarious consequences.

Philip Markham, played by Derek Claffey, is a publisher of children's books. He reluctantly agrees to allow his business partner Henry Lodge, played by Chris Murphy, borrow his flat for the evening to entertain his latest girlfriend Felicity Wilkinson, played by Aideen Coughlan. Unknown to Philip, his wife Joanna (Claire Ward), has also consented to the use of the flat by her friend Linda (Frances Doyle) as she plans to entertain her new boyfriend Walter (Brendan Robbins).

To add to the confusion, Alistair Spenlow (Damien Farrell), who has been decorating the flat for the Markhams, decides to get in on the act by wooing the Markham's au pair Sylvie (Cora Healy).

To further complicate things, the Markhams cancel their plans to go out at the last minute and end up signing a publishing a book deal with the eccentric author, Olive Harriet Smythe who is played by Carol Robbins. The hilarious events which follow as all three couples converge on the flat at the same time makes for an evening of side-splitting laughter.

Directed by the experienced Brendan Hanamy who is in his fourth year working with Ballycumber Drama Group, 'Move Over Mrs Markham' is by far their most ambitious production to date as the impact of the various scenes depends totally on split second timing. The group has been rehearsing since Halloween and the fruits of their labours will be revealed over the next two weekends when the shows go live in Ballycumber Community Centre at 8pm Saturday and Sunday night next, January 30, and 31, and the following weeknd, February 6 and February 7. Admission is €10.