Eden returns to Tullamore by popular demand

Following its highly acclaimed run in Tullamore last November, Eugene O’Brien’s award winning play Eden returns to the Tullamore stage on June 20 and 21 upstairs in Hugh Lynch’s.

At times dramatic, devastatingly funny and heartbreaking and at all times completely engaging, the play has received critical acclaim worldwide wherever it has played. Next week’s production features an all Offaly cast of Diarmuid Guinan and Karen Martin as Billy and Breda and is directed by Tullamore man Paul Norton.

Having played to sell out audiences in Tullamore and Birr, the cast and director are by popular demand once more bringing Eden to Tullamore audiences, and in doing so aim to raise much needed funds for Tullamore Community Arts Centre. This is also an opportunity for audiences to get a flavour of the depth of talent and high standard of local production that will be staged in the new arts centre.

Eden writer, Edenderry man Eugene O’Brien, recently featured in the documentary A Grand Experience and is also well known for writing the hit RTE series Pure Mule. Eden was also developed for the big screen, and was filmed in Tullamore in 2007. Actress Eileen Walsh, who played Breda in the film, won Best Actress at the New York Tribecca Film Festival for her portrayal of the Offaly housewife.

The play is a disconcertingly realistic portrayal of the breakdown of a relationship. Billy and Breda have been married for seven years. They have two young children and nothing to say to each other. He is enthralled by the sexual conquests of his best friend Tony; she is still besotted with her husband.

Set in the midlands, the play begins with Billy at a golf club function on Saturday. Breda is at home dreaming of the following night when she will go out on the town for the first time in ages and be escorted home again by her husband.

The audience follows Billy and Breda’s weekend, seen from their two very different perspectives, as Billy pursues the object of his fantasies - Imelda Egan - oblivious to his wife’s desire to rekindle their relationship. Breda is lonely and blames herself for his flagging desire, but has “lost the weight” in a last, desperate attempt to revive their marriage.

Tullamore audiences will be familiar with Diarmuid Guinan, Karen Martin and Paul Norton from many musicals over the years, and with Paul Norton in the director’s chair this time, an unforgettable evening of drama awaits.

Tickets for Eden are priced €15/€12 and can be booked through Midland Books on High Street in Tullamore or by calling 057 9321797. Performances will begin both nights at 8pm sharp, with patrons who have reserved seats requested to arrive by 7.45pm.