Laois drama group promise hilarious wedding 'chaos galore' in Portlaoise

Chaos galore is in store, promise the Laois Open Door Theatre group, who take to the stage with this season’s production of Robin Hawdon’s hilarious comedy Perfect Wedding.

'Perfect Wedding' is, say drama group told the Leinster Express / Laois Live, a fast-paced and riotously funny comedy by renowned English playwright Robin Howden, one of the most popular farces in contemporary theatre.

The play is set in a luxury country house hotel and opens on the morning of what should be the happiest day of Bill’s life. Instead of following the stag night, the groom wakes up to find a very attractive stranger in the bed beside him and the “Perfect wedding” immediately begins to unravel.

In the depths of a stag night hangover, he can’t even remember meeting her. As his bride-to-be is arriving shortly, panicked excuses pile up, secrets spiral out of control, and characters scramble to keep the truth hidden, the play explodes into a whirlwind of lies, confusion, and comic mayhem that escalates to near nuclear proportions.

While the group say the play rewards seasoned theatre goers and first-time audiences, they promise that everyone will be entertained by the comic farce.

"This promises to be an evening of high-energy comedy, mistaken identities and door-slamming chaos that will have audiences laughing from start to finish," they said.

Cast members include the very talented Aaron Sheil, Aaron who has years of experience of both drama and pantomime and is a true natural on stage and plays the part of Bill.

The inimitable Sarah O’Sullivan plays the role of Judy with Jane Doheny as Julie, while Keith Clarke is welcomed back to play the role of Tom (who never seems to find “the right one”).

Returning to the group after a break of some years is Aoife Fingleton, playing the role of Rachael (the bride). Mary Delaney, playing the role of Daphne, is also welcomed back to the stage this year.

This cast is led and directed by Anne Campbell, who herself is a talented actor and has won many awards on stage in the world of amateur theatre. 

Every production needs “good housing”, and in Open Door Theatre, this task is left to Dan Hooban, who has mastered the craft of building and dressing. Dan will be ably assisted by Brian Nolan on set construction.

Assisting Dan this year with stage management are Caroline Larkin and Caroline Grumley. Taking on the role of Sound Manager this year is the talented Michael Creagh, who is no stranger to the world of theatre, pantomime and one-man shows. Lighting expert Pat Phelan is sure to illuminate the action in all its glory. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Also involved with this production are the many people who assist at front of house, backstage, PR and all the many other roles that have to be undertaken.

These include: Kieran Brosnan, Eadaoin O’Connell, Colm O’Toole, Padraig Dunne, Joseph O’Toole, Muireann O’Toole, Pauline Swaine, Finnuoula Keenan, Paul Dunne, Adrian Dunne, Roisin Byrne, Shona McDonald, Brianna O’Sullivan, Gemma Mahon, and Sinead Winters.

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"We acknowledge and appreciate the continuous support of our loyal friends and many theatre enthusiasts who come to cheer us on every year.  You are our 'lifeline'," said the troop.

Everyone on the Open Door crew looks forward to seeing local audiences at the Dunamaise Arts Centre on Thursday and Friday February 26-27 at 8 pm.

"This is a play you must not miss. See you there for the madness and mayhem," concludes the team.