Tiny village set for biggest stage as drama finals arrive

At least 3,000 visitors are expected to flock to a tiny West Cork village this week.

For the first time in 30 years, Rossmore is hosting the prestigious All-Ireland Confined Drama Finals.

The festival, which started over the weekend and runs until Saturday, Apr 27, in the Rossmore Theatre, is expected to bring a much-needed economic boost to the area.

“The last time this festival came to Rossmore was in 1983 — 30 years ago, so this is a big deal,” said Gerard Finn, chairman of the festival committee.

“These finals rotate among the provinces, so... there will be a variety of plays presented by some of the country’s most talented drama groups.”

The nine groups in the competition — finalists from a group of 37 drama festivals around the country — are now competing for national honours.

On top of expected audience of more than 3,000 over the nine nights, each of the drama groups — hailing from Tyrone to Tipperary — has between 40 and 45 members.

A variety of fringe events will be held each day. Mr Finn said: “There will be visits to the Michael Collins Centre just outside Clonakilty, as well as other activities such as storytelling, short-story readings, and historical walks.”

The festival offers “a feast of top class drama for savouring” he said, adding that it includes classic Irish drama (Sive, Carthaginians), a uproarious farce and comedy (Rumors, God of Carnage), contemporary Irish intrigue (Moment), and pinches of poignancy (The Way You Look Tonight, Tarry Flynn), seasoned with international classics (Our Town).

Closing the festival on Saturday are Glenamaddy players from Galway with their production of another contemporary play Moment by Deirdre Kinahan.

Full of intrigue and described as “car crash theatre”, it tells of the impact on a family of a violent crime undertaken by a son 15 years ago and will have the audience on the edge of their seats.

Tickets (€12 per night or €90 season ticket) can be booked on 023 8838526 or [e-mail].

* rossmoretheatre.com