World premiere of play ‘Achill Sound’ set for Mayo town
Castlebar Musical and Dramatic Society brings a brand-new Mayo comedy thriller to the stage
Theatre audiences in Mayo are in for a treat this October as the Castlebar Musical and Dramatic Society (CMDS), in association with Big Splash Productions, presents the world premiere of ‘Achill Sound’, a brand-new comedy thriller by local playwright Ken Armstrong.
Following a series of sold-out productions at the Linenhall Arts Centre in recent years, CMDS returns to the Castlebar stage with a play that promises plenty of laughter, suspense, emotion and, as audiences have come to expect from Armstrong, an occasional dash of violence.
Set against the remote roads and farms of deepest Mayo, ‘Achill Sound’ follows Elaine, an interviewer working on the National Study in Rural Isolation. She spends her days travelling lonely country roads and visiting isolated farms, until she encounters someone in a remote location who may change her life forever.
Armstrong's work is renowned for combining sharp comedy with darker and more emotional elements, and ‘Achill Sound’ looks set to continue that tradition.
The production features an ensemble drawn from some of CMDS's most accomplished and award-winning performers. The cast includes Eamon Smith, Donna Ruane, Vivienne Lee, Ronan Egan, Eithne McGreal, Eimear Philbin, Caoimhe Halligan, Ewa Cieslak and Nicole Scott, with pianist Deirdre Lee also taking part.
Adding to the excitement surrounding the production is the Irish directing debut of Kenn McLaughlin. McLaughlin brings considerable theatrical experience from the United States, including 25 seasons with Stages Houston, where he oversaw more than 100 productions and directed over 30 shows.
His involvement marks an exciting new chapter for the production and for CMDS as the society brings Armstrong's latest work to audiences for the first time.
With its Mayo setting, original storyline and a cast and creative team combining local talent with international theatrical experience, ‘Achill Sound’ promises to be a notable addition to the Castlebar theatre calendar.
The world premiere takes place at the Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, on Thursday, October 1, and Friday, October 2, with both performances beginning at 7.30pm.
Given CMDS's track record of sold-out shows, early booking is recommended. Tickets are available through the Linenhall Arts Centre website or by calling 094 90 23733.