Omagh Players to bring romantic drama 'Boyd's Shop' to the Strule stage
Iconic Ulster romantic drama ‘Boyd’s Shop’ will entertain audiences
OMAGH Players return to the Strule Arts Centre next week with an iconic Ulster romantic drama, ‘Boyd’s Shop’ by St. John Ervine.
Taking place from Thursday, November 5 to Saturday, November 7, the play charts the conflict that occurs when a new, ambitious young grocer arrives in a small town and sets up a business in opposition to a long-established local shop owner.
This classic romantic comedy, set against a backdrop of social observation, is guaranteed to provide lots of laughs and to evoke the odd tear here and there along the way.
Written in the mid-1930s, this classic has been produced on two previous occasions by the Players, originally in the 1940s and more recently, in 1966, by the renowned producer Paddy Laird. Sixty years are marked as the Omagh Players return it to an Omagh stage, albeit not in the iconic old Town Hall, the site of its previous incarnations in the town, but in the comfort of its welcome successor, the Strule Arts Centre.
New performers who bring their talent to this year’s cast and who were warmly welcomed to Omagh Players are Mark Gormley, Veronica McAfee, Nuala Loughran, Fiona Gallagher and Bernie Anthony. They are reinforced by a formidable, experienced cast led by Trevor King, Frank McCanny, Mary Cahill and Mark Crossley.
Jenny Young marks a return to the stage after her inaugural performance in last year’s “The Field”, as does Adam McFarland and Jack Gallagher.
Director Orlagh Bann said she has truly enjoyed the experience of producing this year’s play: “I’ve constantly been impressed with the level of commitment of this cast and have enjoyed watching their characterizations evolve. Behind a great cast, fundamental to the success of any production, is all those behind the scenes as well.
“We’ve been blessed by an incredible backstage team, some new to the Players, whose help has proved invaluable. It’s been really heartening to see fresh faces involved this year, on stage and backstage, and to know that there’s still a major appetite for involvement in amateur drama.
“ Last year, we were totally overwhelmed with the numbers who came out to see “The Field” and with the positive reaction that we received.
“We genuinely hope that “Boyd’s Shop” will generate as much enjoyment as last year.”
Beginning at 8pm nightly on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday,.
Tickets are available online at struleartscentre.co.uk or at the box office on 028 82247831