St Patrick's Drama Group return with 'The Power of Darkness'

The popular St Patrick's Drama Group return to the stage tonight in Westport for what promises to be a hugely entertaining run in their home town.

Westport Town Hall Theatre is the venue as John Gahern's acclaimed 'The Power of Darkness' is brought to life by a host of well-known local faces. Tonight's show begins at 8pm, and drama continues on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, November 23, 24 and 25.

In ‘The Power of Darkness’, Peter King, a prominent landowner is dying. His wealth, earned by hardness and shrewdness in breeding and training horses is never used to spread ease, happiness, or comfort. He lives with his wife Eileen who is half his age, and his 20-year-old daughter Maggie. His illness forces him to employ a young workman called Paul, the son of a neighbouring farmer.

Paul is quite the mixture of good looks, sexual egotism, weakness and innocence. His ruthless mother Baby is both manipulative and ambitious. Her husband Oliver is a deeply religious and a God fearing man. An old ex-soldier Paddy helps on the farm and is lured into the family drama but gradually becomes its moral voice. The play has adult themes throughout and is for over 16 years.

‘The Power of Darkness’ reflects a world of a not-too-distant past. The title is a description of the force that drives it.

Tony Varley directs a very strong cast in Liam MacNamara as Peter, Bernie Byrne as Baby, Regina McCormack as Eileen, Meg Noone as Maggie, Paul O’Brien as Paul, Seamus Beirne as Oliver and John Gavin as Paddy.

'The Power of Darkness' was first produced by The Abbey Theatre (Dublin, 1991). John McGahern has received many awards and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1990 for 'Amongst Women'.

Bookings can be made at www.westporttheatre.com or telephone 098 28459.

Pictured above are, front, from left: John Gavin, Seamus Beirne, Paul O'Brien, Regina McCormack, Tony Varley, Bernie Beirne, Mea Noone and Liam McNamara. Back row, from left: Mairead Ryan, Tia Crowley, Dolores Ryan, Grainne Berry, Alice Burns and Sharia Greenway.