Phoenix Players (Confined) present

The Communication Cord by Brian Friel 

Cast 

Tim Gallagher: Francis Brennan
Jack McNeilis: Shane Loftus
Nora Dan: Mary Barry
Claire Harkin: Margaret Kilcoyne
Senator Doctor Donovan: Eamonn Og Gallagher
Susan Donovan: Lorraine Fitzgerald
Barney the Banks: Gerry Maye
Evette Giroux: Caitriona Coleman

Crew

Director: Peter Davey (R.I.P.)
Producer: Tom Walsh
Set Design & Construction: Peter Molloy & Jimmy Coleman
Lighting: Joseph Sheridan, Benny Henry & Declan Hannon
Sound/Sound Design: Pauric Gillespie & Eoin Gallagher
Technical Effects: Kieran Brennan
Scene Artistry: James Murray
Costumes: Ursula Morahan
Stage Crew: Jimmy Coleman, Michael Coleman, John James Maye & Kieran Brennan
Make-up, Props & Continuity: Seana Haughey, Eileen Davey & Joan Gallagher
Admin: Mary T. Mannion

Time: The early 1980’s, early in October; a sunny, gusty afternoon (Act 1) and that evening (Act 2)

Place: A restored thatched cottage close to the sea in the remote townland of Ballybeg, County Donegal

Synopsis of the Play: Tim a junior linguistic Lecturer persuaded by his Barrister friend Jack, agrees to a scheme to borrow Jack’s ancestral Donegal cottage for an hour in an effort to impress Senator Donovan, father of his intended sweetheart Susan. The scheme goes horribly and hilariously awry as other unexpected characters enter the fray including a former girlfriend, a wealthy German, a French Paramour and the local Busybody. Even the cottage itself becomes a character in this classic Brian Friel farce.

Dedication: This production was originally directed by Peter Davey who passed to his Eternal Reward in October 2021. The Group wish to dedicate this production to his memory.

Group History: The Phoenix Players are one of the oldest drama groups in the Country having treaded the boards since 1945. While they do a lot of community theatre, they are regulars on the festival circuit and have qualified regularly for the All-Ireland Finals. The group have already celebrated Festival success winning the All Ireland 1 Act Confined Final 2020 in Ennis with their production of Plaza Suite.

Season tickets are available from Murphy’s shop in Ballinamore.
Nightly tickets will be available to purchase on the door each night.