Drama society to stage a parish GAA story of redemption
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TADS cast members with director Daniel Murray. Back Row - (L to R) David Hughes, Ivan Hanamy, Frank O’Brien, Padraic Seery, Aidan Leneghan, Gillian Harrington. Front Row (L to R) Andy Lowbridge, Claire Lemass, Jacinta Dillon, Daniel Murray, Seán Doyle, Damien Mtchell, Paddy Broder.Image 2 of 3
Padraic Seery, Ivan Hanamy, Andy Lowbridge, David Hughes, Peter Kilemade.Image 3 of 3
Members of Tullamore Amateur Dramatic Society (TADS) pictured at rehearsals this week for their upcoming production of ‘The Incarnation of the Prodigal Son’Tullamore Amateur Dramatic Society (TADS) bring their new production ‘The Incarnation of the Prodigal Son’ by Patrick Fogarty, to Esker Arts Centre, Tullamore, from Monday week, May 13 to Thursday, May 16.
Set in the modern-day, fictional parish of Knock na Geena; in the parish pub, owned by long-serving club man, Ambrose Doyle, played by TADS stalwart Frank O’Brien, a story of redemption unfolds. Ambrose, in the last minute of extra time in the 1983 Club Championship, 40 years ago, missed an open shot to tie the game. Knock na Geena lost, and have never made it to the final since then.
The story develops as the local parish characters play out the scenes that lead up to a glorious climax, redeeming the past, and bringing a community together. Frank is joined onstage by Ivan Hanamy, a past player for St Rynagh’s GAA Club here in Offaly as well as a household name when it comes to TADS. A stellar cast makes up this fast-paced, fun-filled production including Jacinta Dillon, Susan McDonnell, Padraic Seery, Peter Kilemade, Paddy Broder, Aidan Lenaghan, Sandra Berry, and Gillian Harrington.
Newcomers are always welcome in TADS, and this production is no exception, bringing new faces to the stage with actors Andy Lowbridge, Claire Lemass, Seán Doyle, and David Hughes. The play is directed by a long-time TADS stage actor, now director, Tullamore man Daniel Murray. Daniel studied drama in NUI Galway where he graduated with a BA Connect (Theatre & Performance).
The playwright, Patrick Fogarty, received the PJ O’Connor Radio Drama Award in 2022 for his radio drama, ‘The Last High King of Ireland’, which saw Olivier Award winner, Pat Kinevane, play the lead. Patrick is a Tipperary native, holds a BA in Drama, Theatre & Performance, and has played with Moneygall GAA. He is now captain of the hurling team, is no stranger to the highs and lows of the GAA game, and writes this story with passion and a great insight into the mind of the player.
A light-hearted, fast-paced, fun production, with an energetic and excited cast, The Incarnation of the Prodigal Son runs from Monday, May 13, to Thursday, May 16 in Esker Arts. Tickets are €15 and available on the Esker Arts website.
TADS is active on Instagram and Facebook for anyone who would like to find out more about this local drama group.