West Mayo set for Brian Friel’s classic 'Philadelphia, Here I come'

A renowned Christmas tradition on Achill Island will continue this year as Dooega Drama Group prepares to stage one of Brian Friel’s most iconic works, 'Philadelphia, Here I Come!' Performances will take place in Coláiste Acla, Dooega, at 8pm on December 27, 28 and 30, offering islanders and visitors alike three opportunities to enjoy a standout production from a renowned group that has become synonymous with high-quality theatre.

This year’s production marks another ambitious undertaking by the long-established company, and according to the group’s chairman, Michael Lavelle, it may well be one of their most exciting yet. “The commitment and talent of this year’s cast and crew is extraordinary,” he said. “Every rehearsal has been filled with energy, focus, and a real love of the craft.

We are privileged to have so many gifted performers in our community, and this play gives them a magnificent platform to shine.” Philadelphia, Here I Come! first premiered in 1964 and quickly became one of the defining works of Irish theatre.

Set in the fictional Donegal town of Ballybeg, the play centres on Gar O’Donnell, a young man preparing to emigrate to America. What makes Friel’s play unique is its structure: Gar is portrayed by two actors – Public Gar, the version of himself seen by the outside world, and Private Gar, who reveals the inner life, longings, frustrations, and vulnerabilities that Gar cannot express aloud.

Deeply moving'

Dooega Drama Group’s production features David McGinty as Public Gar and Stephen Corrigan as Private Gar, a pairing the chairman describes as ‘compelling, powerful, and deeply moving’. The story unfolds over Gar’s final night in Ballybeg before his departure for Philadelphia, where he plans to live with his Aunt Lizzy and Uncle Con. As he packs his suitcase and reflects on his life, the play navigates the tension between the promise of the unknown and the emotional ties that bind him to home.

His complex relationship with his father, S.B. O’Donnell – played by Martán Ó Mongáin – lies at the heart of the story. Though the two men live together and work side-by-side in the family shop, their inability to communicate warmth or affection creates a profound emotional gulf. “It’s a play that speaks directly to the Irish experience,” said Michael Lavelle. “Emigration, family, unspoken feelings – these are themes that every community in Ireland knows well, and Achill especially so. I think audiences will find themselves reflected in it in many different ways.”

The narrative also revisits Gar’s romantic past with Kate Doogan (played by Yasmin McGrath-Chen), a relationship overshadowed by social expectations and economic pressures.

Around them is a rich ensemble of characters brought to life by a talented cast: Micheál McNamara as Senator Doogan, Michael Lavelle as Master Boyle and Ben Burton, Caroline Mangan as Lizzy Sweeney, Jesse Sinaiko as Con Sweeney, Paddy Cafferkey as Ned, Fionn Ó Mongáin as Tom, Myles O’Keeffe as Joe, and Cathal Cronin as Canon Mick O’Byrne. The role of Madge, the loyal housekeeper who has been a constant presence in Gar’s life, is played by Aisling Masterson.

Cornerstone

Dooega Drama Group has long been a cornerstone of cultural life on Achill Island since their establishment in 2010. Their annual winter production brings together performers, volunteers, and audiences of all ages. “These plays are part of the rhythm of life on our island,” the chairman noted. “They bring people together in the darkest months of the year. They give us shared stories, shared laughter, shared memories. That is the real power of community theatre.” The group has always placed strong value on inclusivity and participation, encouraging newcomers and seasoned performers alike to become part of the creative process.

The chairman emphasised how important this has been to the group’s continued success. “We couldn’t do any of this without the people of Achill. Their support over the decades – turning up, volunteering, donating, encouraging – has sustained us through thick and thin.

We are genuinely grateful for every person who has ever sat in our audience or helped out behind the scenes.” While the cast will be the faces the audience sees on stage, a highly skilled and hardworking crew is responsible for bringing the world of Ballybeg to life. At the heart of that effort is Stage Manager Denis McCarthy, whose set design and backstage coordination have been described as ‘outstanding’ by the chairman.

“Denis has a gift for understanding what a play needs visually and logistically. His work on the set this year has been exceptional – from the layout of S.B.’s kitchen to the subtle touches that help communicate Gar’s inner world. We are incredibly lucky to have him.”

Dedication

He also praised the wider crew for their dedication: “Every member of our backstage team contributes something essential—lighting, sound, costumes, makeup, props, logistics. It’s a huge undertaking, especially for a community group, and they give their time week after week purely out of love for the arts and for this island.”

With Christmas approaching, the group is excited to welcome audiences back to Coláiste Acla, a venue that has become synonymous with their work. The chairman extended thanks for the ongoing support of the Mangan family, who continue to make the space available each year. Looking ahead, the group has ambitions beyond Achill. “We are very excited to bring this production onto the National Amateur Drama Circuit in 2026,” the chairman revealed.

“We believe in this cast, in this play, and in our ability to represent Achill with pride.” They won several awards on the 2024 circuit for their production of Martin McDonagh’s The Cripple of Inishmaan and won a coveted Contribution to the Arts award at the 2025 Mayo County Council Cathaoirleach Awards.

For now, Dooega Drama Group invites everyone to join them this December for what promises to be a heartfelt, humorous, and unforgettable night of theatre. “We hope the people of Achill will come out once again to support us, and we promise them a show they will be proud of,” said the chairman.

TICKETS

Tickets are now available on EventBrite (http://bit.ly/4iSP04B) and at Achill Sound Post Office, and updates can be found on the group’s Facebook page.