Laois Open Door Theatre to stage hilarious three act comedy in Portlaoise 

Laois Open Door Theatre will take to the stage next week with this season’s production of Rick Abbott’s hilarious comedy 'Play On' at the Dunamaise Theatre and Arts Centre.

The three act play will be staged in Portlaoise on Friday and Saturday, April 4 & 5. It follows the course of an amateur drama group putting on a production of a local playwright’s first work entitled 'Murder Most Foul'. 

In essence it’s a play within a play which takes a farcical look at the trials and tribulations, the ecstasy and heartbreak of the final few days before opening night. Adding to the mayhem is the arrival of the playwright with more plot changes and who manages in a fit of’ helpfulness ‘to accidentally delete all the sound effects with only hours to go before opening night! I mean what could possibly go wrong on the night?

Cast members include: Aaron Shiel, as Billy/ Stephen Sellers, a very talented actor who is a true natural on stage with many years experience in both drama and pantomime. The inimitable Sarah O’ Sullivan plays the role of Gerry the Director who is slowly losing her patience with her squabbling cast. Jane Doheny as Violet/ Diana Lassiter uses her comic timing to great effect. Dermot Muldowney gets to cast off his clerical garb from our last two productions in favour of playing the villain Saul/ Rex Forbes. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO

Sinead Winters, returning to the group after a break of some years, plays Aggie the Stage Manager who is at her wits end and is slowly becoming overwhelmed at the chaos that surrounds her. Also returning to the drama group is Colm O’Toole playing the part of Henry/ Lord Dudley. Colm is no stranger to the stage as he performed both with Portlaoise Musical Society and Portlaoise Panto.

Gemma Mahon, who joined the group last year, plays Polly/Lady Margaret with great flair and conviction. Roisin Byrne, who also joined last year, plays the hammer wielding no nonsense set construction and the sound/ lighting technician. Making their debuts with Laois Open Door are the two talented actresses Brianna O’ Sullivan who plays Smithy/ Doris, the confused and anxious maid and Shona McDonald playing Phyllis Montague the eccentric and questionably‘ talented ‘playwright! READ MORE BELOW PHOTO

"We are delighted to be sharing the stage this year with returning members and we extend a warm welcome to our new members," said the group. 

"This wonderful cast is directed by Éadaoin O’Connell who made her directorial debut in 2023 with the wonderfully successful production of” It’s the Real McCoy” by Tommy Marren and “Flying Feathers “ by Derek Blenfield in 2024. These were two sell out performances in the Dunamaise.

 "Every production is a sum of its parts and would not happen without the tremendous work of the front of house and backstage teams. The teams include Mary Delaney Assistant Director/ Production, Dan Hooban to whom we are hugely indebted for his tireless work building and dressing the set.

"Dan is a perfectionist and leaves no stone unturned until the set meets his high standards. Taking on the role of Sound Manager this year is the wonderfully talented Michael Creagh, a man of many parts be it film, drama, pantomime or indeed one man shows."

READ NEXT: Portlaoise flood fear over construction site of new housing estate

Joining the crew again this year is Pat Phelan as lighting expert and who himself is no stranger to the stage. Caroline Larkin, who’s taking a break from the stage this year, is assistant stage manager. The front of house, prompters, PR etc include the following: Kieran Brosnan, Padraig Dunne, Joseph and Muireann O’Toole, Aoife Fingleton, Pauline Swayne Finoula Keenan and Caroline Grumley.

"Finally we acknowledge and appreciate the continuous support of our loyal friends and many theatre enthusiasts who come to cheer us on every year," added Laois Open Door Theatre. 

"You are our ‘ lifeline’ and we look forward to seeing you in the Dunamaise Theatre on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th of April at 8pm. So for a night of fun and laughter this is a show not to be missed. See you there for the madness and mayhem."