Navan Theatre Group to stage 'The Lieutenant of Inishmore' this month
Navan Theatre Group is to stage 'The Lieutenant of Inishmore', a dark comedy by acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Martin McDonagh, at the end of this month. This production will be directed by Nigel Ryan, a long-time member of Navan Theatre Group, who has a wealth of drama experience and knowledge.
The Lieutenant of Inishmore is set in the 1990s on the remote island of Inishmore and tells the story of Mad Padraic, a member of the Irish National Liberation Army, whose cat, Wee Thomas, has become “poorly” while he is away on a mission. When he returns home and discovers the death of his beloved feline, he goes on a violent rampage, seeking revenge on those responsible. The play is a clever satire on terrorism and a hilarious farce in true McDonagh fashion, blurring the line between comedy and horror in this absurd and bloody tale.
The cast features a plethora of talent in the form of Ian McColgan, Shane Fox, Keith Whelan, Padraig McLaughlin, Katy Leech, Ray O'Hare, Eoin Kenny, and Bob Lally. The production runs at the Solstice Arts Centre in Navan from Tuesday 21st to Saturday 25th March.
Martin McDonagh is a playwright, screenwriter, and director known for his dark comedies and crime dramas. Born in London to Irish parents (Sligo and Connemara), McDonagh's works often explore themes of violence and redemption in the Irish countryside. Martin McDonagh has achieved considerable critical acclaim, including Academy awards, BAFTA and Tony awards, and the current Oscar-nominated 'The Banshees of Inisherin'. His plays include 'The Beauty Queen of Leenane', 'A Skull in Connemara', and 'The Lonesome West'. The Lieutenant of Inishmore, written in 2001 is part of McDonagh's 'The Aran Islands' trilogy which includes 'The Cripple of Inishmaan' (1996) and' The Banshees of Inisheer'.
Keith Whelan and Katy Leech in rehearsal.
Nigel Ryan has expertise in Martin McDonagh works and has directed both Navan Theatre Group and Yellow River Drama Group (Wilkinstown) productions of 'The Beauty Queen of Leenane'. He has also been involved with Dunshaughlin Players. Nigel recently graced the stage of Solstice Arts Centre in an acting capacity, playing Frank in the world premiere of 'God’s Hotel' by Meath playwright Deirdre Kinahan. With a passion for showcasing rural tales, dark comedy, and compelling drama, there is no doubt that Nigel will strive to bring thought-provoking and gruesome storytelling to life on the Solstice stage.
Navan Theatre Group (NTG) was founded in 1991 by the late Billy Goonan and is a community-based, amateur group affiliated with the Drama League of Ireland. The group has a long history of vibrant theatre in Navan, attracting a diverse group of members and continues to grow in popularity. NTG has received a lot of support from the people of Navan and surrounding areas, which has allowed them to give back to local and national charitable organisations. NTG produces one major production each year, moving from the Community Centre in Navan to the Solstice Arts Centre in November 2006. Despite the halt in productions in 2020 due to the global pandemic, NTG continued to read and plan over Zoom, and in November 2021, they returned to the Solstice Stage. Since then, NTG have brought one acts plays and the world premiere of God’s Hotel in 2022.