Belly laughs set to entertain 4,000 as comedy season begins in West Cork

More than 4,000 people are expected to visit a tiny West Cork village over the summer — in search of a belly-laugh.

This is the fifth year of Rossmore Theatre’s successful summer comedy season, which annually boasts packed houses.

The season kicks off this week with the tale of five women who embark on a female-only caravan holiday.

“There’s a huge appetite for fun in people and our summer comedy season always evokes a tremendous reaction — it’s a form of escapism for everyone from locals to visitors,” declared director Ger Finn.

“You won’t have to exercise your brain to enjoy it, it’s a real belly-laugh and all you have to do is sit back and let it roll over you,” said Mr Finn.

He is also chairman of the renowned West Cork Drama Festival which runs every spring in the rural village.

Written by Sam Cree, Widow’s Paradise, which will run every Thursday night throughout the summer from this Thursday is expected to draw the now traditional large crowds, filling the 300-seater theatre to capacity and attracting visitors from locations such as Galway.

As its reputation has spread, the Rossmore summer comedy season has become a strong attraction for people holidaying in the West Cork area, as well as for locally-based drama fans, said Mr Finn.

Last year the theatre’s summer season attracted more than 4,000 visitors during its 14-week run.

This year’s three-act comedy is expected to be equally successful.

Widow’s Paradise is set in the 1970s.

The action takes place in a seaside caravan as five single ladies, disillusioned with the male sex, go off together on a strictly no-men break.

But their idyll is thrown into disarray when it emerges that they are in the wrong caravan as its three male occupants arrive back after a day’s fishing.

“What was supposed to be a scene of peace and tranquility turns into a riotous clash of the sexes.

“Each of the 10 characters has his or her own story to tell,” Mr Finn explained.

“Our summer comedy season has been a very successful initiative to date.

“A lot of people come back to see the play several times over the season.

“I know of one man who came six times to see the play, taking visiting relatives and friends each time.”

Proceeds from the play will go towards the cost of constructing a state-of-the-art storage facility for stage-sets and costumes in Rossmore, for the Kilmeen Drama Group and the West Cork Drama Festival.

Over the years, the village’s Summer Comedy Season has featured productions including It’s the Real McCoy, Awake in the West, Thy Will Be Done and I Do Not Like Thee, Dr Fell.

Booking is on 086 4481086 (12 noon to 7pm).

Doors open at 7pm. Come early and chose your own seats.