This article is from page 16 of the 2012-03-20 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
AMATEUR dramatics are alive and well in Clare, as groups from the county won out at the prestigious West Clare Drama Festival.
The Doonbeg Drama Group won the confined section on their home turf, while Corofin Dramatic Society was equally successful in the hotly contested open section.
As well as winning the overall confined section of the festival, Doonbeg also won three subcategories for its performance of Conor McPherson’s play ‘The Weir’.
Mark May won the best actor accolade for his performance as Jack, while his co-star Ken Blowers was announced as Best Supporting Actor when adjudicator Myles Purcell made his decision known.
The play’s producer Mary J Egan was also honoured on the night.
The Amphitheatre Company from Kilkee also did well at the Doonbeg festival.
The group came third in the confined section for its production ‘Agnes of God’.
Kilkee’s Emer Gleeson also won the best category award for her portrayal of Agnes in the play.
Schull Drama Group came second with its production ‘The Birthday Party’ and the group’s Joan Giller won Best Actress for her role as Meg.
As well as winning the open section for ‘The Subject was Roses’, Corofin Dramatic Society also secured the Best Producer award, when John Clancy was declared the Overall Winner.
The group’s Maura Clancy was also named Best Actress for her role as Nettie Cleary, with James Raleigh declared Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Timmy Cleary.
Last year’s All Ireland winners Kilmeen Drama Group came second in the open section for its production of ‘The Weir’.
While Nenagh Players came third in the category with their play ‘Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’, it also succeeded in winning the Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress awards.
Kevin Walshe won Best Actor for his Dr Jekyll while talented young actress Jenny Bracken won Best Supporting Actress for Elizabeth Jelkes.
The adjudicator Mr Purcell also awarded Doonbeg for producing the most entertaining play; Helen Aherne from Brideview Drama Group for the best comedy moment; and named Bridget Keaveney from Garrymore Drama Group as the most promising actor. Best Set went to Nenagh Players, as did Best Lighting Effect.